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THE 


Boy’s King Arthur 


/ 3 t 
a v>/ 


Sir Thomas Malory’s History 


* * 

King Arthur and his Knights of the 
Round Table 


EDITED FOR BOYS WITH AN INTRODUCTION 

■V 

SIDNEY LANIER 

% 

MOTTO* OF “ THB BOY'S FROISSART ” 


Illustrated by Alfred Kaffes 


NEW YORK 

CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS 

1908 



jL&HAlt/of Q0N6RFSS 
5 i #u iiooies • ►* 

i| ocr is i mu 

It ** 1 

j0UtS& rv * AAc» No. 

! yiftw 

1 w? ■»• | 

Copyright, 1880, 

By CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS. 
Copyright, 1908, 

By MARY DAY . LANIER. 



INTRODUCTION. 


Will the time come when Hamlet will be a boy’s tale ? 

Since the young readers of King Arthur — and theii 
young readers after them — are of all persons in the world 
the very oracles who must one day answer this question ; 
and since its curious face will be thrusting itself upon us 
from all manner of odd corners as we now go on to trace 
the rise and spread of the stories which Sir Thomas 
Malory used in making this beautiful old book : I wished 
to state it at the beginning, so that it might at once widen 
and intensify our thoughts as we look upon those changes 
in language, in life, in the general stature of man’s spirit, 
whereby the great cycle of Arthurian romances which en- 
chanted the grown men of all Europe during the middle 
ages finds itself arrived, in the nineteenth century, at the 
form of this present Boy's King Arthur. 

(About the time when Englishmen first began to hear 
the name “ Plantagenet,” from the planta genista or wild 
broom of Anjou which Henry II. ’s father liked to wear by 
way of a plume \\ when Thomas k Becket was beginning 
that bright friendship with this same King Henry II. 
which presently darkened into their desperate struggle; 
when a stranger was allowed to stop over in an English 
borough but one night unless he could fetch good and 
sufficient security against bad behavior ; when, although a 


hr 


Introduction . 


criminal could clear himself of his accusation by holding 
hot iron in his hand or by sinking when cast into water, 
nevertheless those bodies of men which have since become 
what we call the “jury” — the most admirable provision 
ever made by our race for perfect reason and pure justice 
between man and man — were taking form : in such a time, 
which we may roughly centre at the middle of the twelfth 
century, the name of King Arthur first appeared in Eng- 
lish literature. For it was then that a certain Geoffrey 
of Monmouth put forth his Latin Historia Britonum , — 
“ History of the Britons,” — in which for the first time 
the story of Arthur as an ancient British king was fairly 
set before the world. 

Geoffrey told it for true, — not as a mere fiction. Here 
is his account of the way he happened to know it, and of 
his reason for publishing it as matter belonging to the real 
history of the Britons. This is a translation of part of 
his first chapter. 

“ Whilst occupied on many and various studies, I hap- 
pened to light upon the History of the Kings of Britain, 
and wondered that in the account which Gildas and Bede, 
in their elegant treatises, had given of them, I found 
nothing said of those kings who lived here before Christ, 
nor of Arthur, and many others who succeeded after 
Christ ; though their actions both deserved immortal 
fame, and were also celebrated by many people in a pleas- 
ant manner, and by heart, as if they had been written. 
Whilst I was intent upon these and such like thoughts, 
Walter, Archdeacon of Oxford” — whom we suppose to 
be the Walter Map presently figuring in this account — 
“ a man of great eloquence, and learned in foreign histo- 
ries, offered me a very ancient book in the British tongue ” 
— Geoffrey’s “British” here means ou~ Welsh — “which, 


Introduction. 


v 


in a continued regular story and elegant style, related the 
actions of them all, from Brutus the first king of the 
Britons down to Cadwallader the son of Cadwallo. At 
his request, therefore, though I had not made fine lan- 
guage my study, by collecting florid expressions from 
other authors, yet contented with my own homely style 
I undertook the translation of that book into Latin.” 

It must be confessed that our historian’s ideas of proba- 
bility seem very unsatisfactory to the modern view of 
historic dignity. Perhaps no more striking proof could 
be given of the enormous growth in men’s conscience and 
reasonableness since that time than by the following 
couple of stories which I have taken out of Geoffrey’s 
“History,” the one purporting to be a true account of 
the way in which the island of Britain was first peopled 
and named, the other setting forth the strange advent 
of Merlin as prophet and counsellor to the British kings. 

After relating how .Eneas settled in Italy at the close 
of the Trojan war, Geoffrey treats of his descendants 
there, and presently comes to one Brutus, the great-grand- 
son of Eneas, who is afterwards the founder of the British 
race. This Brutus, having by accident slain his own 
father with an arrow while hunting, is banished by his 
kinsmen for the dreadful deed. He wanders forth over 
the earth, falls into wondrous adventures, fights battles, 
and does noble deeds, until he is finally told by the god- 
dess Diana that there is an island in the Western Sea 
upon which he is to found a great empire. 

He goes in search, and, after other tremendous wars 
and victories in which he amasses great spoils, he and his 
mighty lieutenant Corineus, with a company which he has 
gathered in his wanderings, arrive on the coast of Eng 
land. The details of these matters occupy fourteen 


VI 


Introduction . 


chapters after chapter first, already quoted : and here, in 
chapter sixteen, we have the terrible fight of Corineus 
with the aboriginal giant, and the founding of Britain. 

“ The island was then called Albion, and was inhabited 
by none but a few giants.” Fixing their habitation, they 
begin to till the ground ; and “ Brutus called the island 
after his name Britain , 1 and his companions Britons.” 
But Corineus begins to languish for some fun: “ For it 
was a diversion to him to encounter the said giants, which 
were in greater numbers ” in his province “ than in all the 
other provinces that fell to the share of his companions. 
Among the rest was one detestable monster named Goe- 
magot, in stature twelve cubits, and of such prodigious 
strength that at one shake he pulled up an oak as if it had 
been a hazel wand. On a certain day, when Brutus was 
holding a solemn festival to the gods . . . this giant with 
twenty more of his companions came in upon the Britons, 
among whom he made a dreadful slaughter. But the 
Britons, at last assembling together in a body, put them 
to the rout, and killed them every one but Goemagot. 
Brutus had given orders to have him preserved alive, out 
of a desire to see a combat between him and Corineus. . . . 
Corineus, overjoyed at this, prepared himself, and, throw- 
ing aside his arms, challenged him to wrestle with him. 
At the beginning of the encounter, Corineus and the giant, 
standing front to front, held each other strongly in their 
arms, and panted aloud for breath ; but Goemagot pres- 
ently, grasping Corineus with all his might, broke three of 
his ribs. ... At which Corineus, highly enraged, roused up 

1 The first u in “ Brutus ” sounded like the modem French u in Geoffrey’s 
time. This in rapid conversation is not widely different from the short i of 
Br/t-ain. The derivation was therefore at any rate not an improbable one, in 
point of sound, to Geoffrey’s readers. 


Introduction. 


vii 


his whole strength, and, snatching him upon his shoulders, 
ran with him as fast as the weight would allow him to the 
nearest part of the sea-shore, and there, getting upon the 
top of a high rock, hurled down the savage monster into 
the sea; where, falling upon the sides of craggy rocks, 
he was torn to pieces, and colored the waves with his 
blood. The place where he fell ... is called Lam Goe 
magot, that is Goemagot’s Leap, to this day.” 

And here, in the last chapters of Geoffrey’s sixth book, 
we have the mystic appearance of Merlin. Vortigern, 
king of Britain, after the slaughter of his whole princely 
following through the treachery of Hengist and the wast- 
ing of his countries by that warrior, retires desolate into 
Cambria, — the modern “ Wales,” — and for some time 
is at a loss how to act. 

“ At last he had recourse to magicians, and commanded 
them to tell him what course to take. They advised him 
to build a very strong tower for his own safety, since he 
had lost all his other fortified places. Accordingly he 
. . . assembled workmen from several countries, and 
ordered them to build the tower. The builders therefore 
began to lay the foundation ; but whatever they did one 
day, the earth swallowed up the next, so as to leave no 
appearance of their work. Vortigern, being informed of 
this, again consulted with his magicians concerning the 
cause of it, who told him that he must find out a youth 
that never had a father, and kill him, and then sprinkle 
the stone and cement with his blood ; for by those means, 
they said, he would have a firm foundation. Hereupon 
messengers were despatched over all the provinces to in- 
quire out such a man. In their travels they came to a 
city . . . where they saw some young men playing before 
the gate, and went up to them; but, being weary with 


Introduction. 


viii 


their journey, they sat down. . . . Towards evening there 
happened on a sudden a quarrel between two of the young 
men, whose names were Merlin and Dabutius. In the 
dispute Dabutius said to Merlin: ‘You fool, do you pre- 
sume to quarrel with me ? . . . I am descended of royal 
race both by my father’s and mother’s side. As for you, 
nobody knows what you are, for you never had a father.’ 
At that word the messengers looked earnestly upon Mer- 
lin, and asked the by-standers who he was. They told 
them it was not known who was his father ; but that his 
mother was daughter to the king of Dimetia, and that she 
lived in St. Peter’s Church among the nuns of that city. 
Upon this the messengers hastened to the governor of the 
city, and ordered him in the king’s name to send Merlin 
and his mother to the king.” 

The king having received them, and having made nu- 
merous inquiries which were satisfactorily answered, 

“ Merlin then approached the king and said to him, ‘ For 
what reason am I and my mother introduced into your 
presence?’ ‘ My magicians,’ answered Vortigern, ‘advised 
me to seek out a man who had no father, with whose blood 
my building is to be sprinkled in order to make it stand.’ 
‘ Order your magicians,’ said Merlin, ‘ to come before me, 
and I will convict them of a lie.’ The king was surprised 
at his words, and presently ordered the magicians to come 
and sit down before Merlin, who spoke to them after this 
manner : — 

“ ‘ Because you are ignorant what it is that hinders 
the foundation of the tower, you have recommended the 
shedding of my blood for cement to it, as if that would 
presently make it stand. But tell me now what is there 
under the foundation? For something there is that will 
not suffer it to stand,’ 


Introduction . 


ix 


“The magicians at this began to be afraid and made 
him no answer. Then said Merlin, who is also called 
Ambrose, ‘ I entreat your majesty would command your 
workmen to dig into the ground, and you will find a 
pond which causes the foundation to sink/ 

“ This accordingly was done, and then presently they 
found a pond deep under ground which had made it give 
way. Merlin after this went again to the magicians and 
said, * Tell me, ye false sycophants, what is there under the 
pond/ But they were silent. Then said he again to the 
king, ‘ Command the pond to be drained, and at the bottom 
you will see two hollow stones, and in them two dragons 
asleep/ The king made no scruple of believing him, since 
he had found true what he had said of the pond, and there- 
fore ordered it to be drained ; which done, he found as 
Merlin had said ; and now was possessed of the greatest 
admiration of him. Nor were the rest that were present 
less amazed at his wisdom, thinking it to be no less than 
divine inspiration.” 

If all Geoffrey’s history were of this cast, and that of 
the famous Prophecy of Merlin which follows the extract 
just given, one could find great comfort in a phrase of the 
angry Hotspur in Shakspere’s King Henry IV , who, when 
reproached by Mortimer for his endless crossing and taunt- 
ing of the Welshman Glendower, cries, — 

I cannot choose : sometime be angers me 
With telling me . . . 

Of the dreamer Merlin and his prophecies, 

And of a dragon and a finless fish, 

... A couching lion, and a ramping cat, 

And such a deal of skimble-skamble stuff 
As puts me from my faith. 


X 


Introduction . 


But there are many soberer maters, lying nearer within 
historic possibility, in Geoffrey’s bo* k ; and its rich stores 
have often furnished groundwork for later English think- 
ers, as, for instance, its account of Leir, an early king of 
England, which has been transformed into Shakspere's 
terrible play of King Lear. 

Before leaving Geoffrey it is worth while mentioning, as 
explanatory of several English names which occur in the 
following work, that according to him Brutus had three 
sons, who upon their father’s death divided the kingdom 
between them : these were, Locrin, who took the middle 
part of the island, and thus gave it a name often used in 
this book, “ Loegria,” or sometimes “ Logris ; ” Albanact, 
who took the northern part, and thus gave name to the 
country of Albania, or Albany, now known as Scotland ; 
and Kamber, who took the part beyond the Severn, and 
thus gave it the name of Kambria, or Cambria, now 
known as “ Wales,” though still often referred to under 
the other title. 

Advancing, now, to Walter Map (whose name is also 
spelled “ Mapes ”) : he seems not to have been content 
that these matters should remain in Geoffrey’s Latin, for 
we find three long Arthurian romances in French which 
are attributed to him. One of these is called La Queste 
del Saint Graal , l and is in a far nobler vein of story than 
Geoffrey’s. I have thought that many young readers 
would be glad to see some of the French of Maistres 
Gautiers Map, and for this purpose I have selected part of 

1 The “ Saint Graal,” or Saint Grail, or Sane Greal, or Sangreal — as it 
has been variously spelled at different times — means the holy (sanct-us, saint) 
Grail, or Cup, which was fabled to have received some of the blood of Jesus 
Christ, and to have been brought away, endowed with miraculous powers, by 
Joseph of Arimalhea, finally lodging in England. 


Introduction. 


xi 


that most exquisite story — which is also finely told in the 
present book — of the meeting of Sir Percival and the 
lion, and of their friendship. My extract begins as Sir 
Percival has slain the serpent. “ Quant li lyons se voit 
delivres del serpent par l’aide del chivaler, il ne fait pas 
samblant qu’il vit volentee de combatre a percheval” 
[Percival ] “ains vient devant lui, et boisse sa teste, et 
lui fait grant ioie. si que perchevaus [Percival ] voit bien 
qu’il n’a talent de lui mal faire, il remet s’espee el fuerre, 
et iete ius son escu, et son hiaume de sa teste por le vent 
requellir. Car assis l’ot escaufe li serpens, et li lyons aloit 
tous iours apres lui, covetant et faisant grant ioie. Et 
quant il voit che, si le commence a aplanier col et teste, 
et dist que notres sires lui a envoie celle beste pour lui 
faire compaignie.” 

But perhaps it will be still more interesting to see ex- 
actly what sort of English was spoken in this time : and, 
for the purpose of showing, I wish to bring forward a 
short passage from an old English poet who seems to me 
the most delightful boy-that-never-grows-old in the world, 
and whom perhaps one loves a little more, because his 
countrymen have as yet loved him a great deal less, 
than he deserves. His name is Layamon; and he not 
only began one of the most remarkable revolutions in 
the whole history of language, but he was writing at one 
of the most glorious moments in the history of England. 
If I mention the year 1215, every boy’s mind will imme- 
diately fly to that famous day at Runnymede when the 
barons forced the Great Charter from King John. While 
this Charter, with its deep declarations which seem to 
have rendered English liberty indestructible — such as, 
“To no man will we sell, or deny, or delay, right or jus- 
tice,” and “We will not go against any man nor send 


xii 


Introduction. 


against him, save by legal judgment of his peers or by 
the law of the land ” — was overthrowing political tyran- 
ny, Layamon, in a spirit not unlike, was overthrowing 
a literary tyranny, v For a hundred and fifty years — 
since William the Norman came over in 1066 and im- 
posed his tongue upon England — French had been the 
official language of the country : if you had a communi- 
cation for royalty it must be in French, if you had a case 
in court the pleadings must be in French, and we have 
just seen how Walter Map writes his story in French 
while Geoffrey writes his in Latin. No one writes books 
in English. At length, however, comes Layamon, a 
priest living at Earnley, on the Severn ; with infinite 
labor he toils about different parts of England to find 
three books, one by Baeda (“ the Venerable Bede ”), one 
by Wace, and one by Sts. Albin and Austin. At last 
he gets them ; and wha v * fine figure he puts before us, 
through these six and a .valf centuries, when we find him 
saying of himself, “ Layamon laid down these books, and 
turned the leaves ; he gazed on them lovingly ; may the 
Lord be merciful to him ! ” Then he plied his pen, and 
presently he had made a poem called “ The Brut ” (pro- 
nounced Brute , and being so called as a history of Eng- 
land from the time of Geoffrey’s Brutus, father of the 
Britons), which was so thoroughly English that in its 
more than thirty thousand lines not fifty French words 
can be found. 

But Layamon was far from confining himself to his three 
books. His imagination went far outside of their record ; 
and it is just possible that he had heard some of those 
popular legends about Arthur which appear to have been 
handed down from father to son, and to which Geoffrey 
must refer in the extract first given from him, where he 


Introduction . 


xiii 


says that the deeds of the old kings “ were also celebrated 
by many people ... by heart , as if they had been writ « 
ten .” 

Here, then, is the English of Layamon, which, though 
fifty years later than Geoffrey, is substantially the same as 
was spoken by the latter. 

The passage gives us a picture of King Arthur in one 
of his series of battles with Colgrim, leader of the Saxons. 
At first Arthur’s forces are overpowered, and, with that 
cool judgment of the brave man which you will find 
always held up in the present book as a far higher test 
and ideal of manfulness than mere hot fighting and dash, 
Arthur does not hesitate to take advantage of a stream, 
and retreat. But in retreating he keeps his wits about 
him, and ever looks out for a chance to strike, never 
dreaming of surrender. And so, presently, says Laya- 
mon, — 

Tho Arthur that i-seh, that Ctxgrim him was so neh, 

1 Then Arthur that saw , that Colgrim him was so nigh , 

That hii 2 weren beyne in on half than watere,* 

That they were both on one half (of) the water , 

Tho saide Arthur . . . , 

Then said Arthur . . . , 

here we have a brief soul-stirring speech from the king, 
calling upon his men for valor, and crying out that the 

* I give the modem form of each old word immediately under it, in the 
italicized line, thus showing the changes since Layamon. The meaning can 
be made out from the literal translation in italics : it must be remembered 
that the order of words in a sentence was different then from now. Signs ol 
this will be seen along through Malory’s book, though so much later. 

* “ Hii ” is pronounced as if written hee. 

* “ Watere ” in three syllables, wat-er-eh : every final e makes a syllable. 


XIV 


Introduction . 


day of God is come for the Saxons to perish : and, with 
the last word, — 

Up brayd 1 2 * Arthur his seald fora to his breastc, 

Up stretched Arthur his shield before his breast , 

And he gan to rese, so the wode * wolf 

And he 'gan to rush, as the furious wolf 

Wane he cometh of holte, bi-hong mid snowe, 

When he cometh {out) of {the) forest, behung with snow , 

And thencheth to bite woch seap that him liketh. 

And thinketh to bite what sheep that him liketh. 

Swa the haeye wude 

.... . As the high wood 

Thene wind wode weieth hine mid maeine, 

When ( the ) wind furious bendeth it with main , 9 

Flogen over the feldes thritti 4 * * * * thusend sceldes, 

Flew ever the fields thirty thousand shields , 

& smiten a Colgrimes cnihtes that tha eorthe agaen quehte. 

And smote Colgrim’s knights (so) that the earth again shook. 

Breken braden speren, brustleden sceldes, 

Broke broad spears , shivered shields , 

Feollen Saexisce men folden to grunden. 

Fell Saxon men to ground. 

1 “ Brayd ” is an old form of modern broad: Arthur up-broadens hi* 
•hield, that is, extends it upward. The Scotch, who preserve many Anglo 
Saxon forms, still say “ braid ” for broad. 

2 “ Wode ” is a word which will be often found in the book you are about 

to read, spelled “ wood,” and meaning mad, “ insane ; ” as, “ like a wood (mad) 

lion.” It is used by Shakspere in A Midsummer Night's Dream , where 

Demetrius punningly says, “ And here am I, and wood within this wood, ”— 

that is, mad within this wood, — “ Because I cannot meet my Helena.” 

* That is, with power : we still say, “ with might and main." 

* The last i in “ thritti ” short : as if thritty. 


Introduction . 


XI 


That i-sah Colgrim, ther vore wa wes him. 

That saw Colgrim , therefore woe was him . 

Colgrim gon to flaenne, feondliche swithe, 

Colgrim \ gan to flee , fiend-like fast t 

& his hors hine bar mid haeghere strengthe 
And his horse him bore with higher strength 

Over that water deape and scelde him with daethe. 

Over that water deep and shielded him against death. 

Saxes gunnen sinken : sorge hem wes givede. 

Saxons begun (to) sink: sorrow (to) them was given. 

Arthur wende his speres ord and forstod heo them vord. 

Arthur turned his spear's point and forstood them the ford. 

Ther a-druncke Sexes fulle seove thusend. 

There drowned Saxons full seven thousand. 

Swa doth the wilde crane 

«... So doth the wild crane 

Wane his fliht is a-wemmid and him holdeth after havekes swifte. 

When his flight is a-hindered and him holdeth after hawks swift > 


Houndes in than reode mid routhe him i-meteth : 

Hounds in the reeds with sorrow him meet: 

Thanne is him nother god no that lond nother flod, 

Then is (to) him neither good the land nor the flood , 

Havekes him smiteth, houndes him biteth, 

Hawks him smite , hounds him bite , 

Than his the kineworthe fogel adrad in eche side. 

Then is the royal bird a-dread on each side. 

Layamon, you observe, writes sometimes in rhyme,— 
as, — 


xvi 


Introduction . 


Havekes him s?niteth, 

Houndes him biteth , 

or,-— 

Flogen over the feldes 
Thritti thusend sccldcs , — 

the rhyme being between words at the middle and end 
of the verse, as here printed ; and sometimes in what is 
called the Anglo-Saxon alliterative metre, as, for instance, 
where the three first main syllables of the line begin with 
the same letter, s, in 

•S*axes gunnen dnken : .rorge hem wes givede. 

When one is so familiar with the sounds and spirit of 
Layamon’s speech as to recite his poetry in something 
of his own manner, the music of it is far less rugged than 
seems at first sight possible. 

If we now leave out of sight the numerous writers, 
besides Wace and Layamon and Map, who sent forth all 
manner of romances in prose and verse growing out of 
Geoffrey’s original stock ; and, passing at one step along 
nearly three hundred years, if we come to an English 
author who is still re-telling the Arthurian stories, and 
find an English audience still desiring to hear them re- 
told : we cannot fail to be struck with the hold which 
Geoffrey’s tales had taken upon men’s minds. 

This author is our own simple, valorous, wise, tender 
Sir Thomas Malory, who wrote the History of King 
Arthur and his knights of the Round Table found in the 
following pages. I regret that I can give no personal 
account of one who must have been an interesting man : 
so far as I can discover, we know absolutely nothing ’ of 
him save what is contained in the following words, which 


Introduction. 


xvii 


form the last clause of the last sentence of his work : . . . 
“ for this book was ended the ninth year of the reign of 
King Edward the Fourth, by Sir Thomas Maleore, knight, 
as Jesu help him for His great might, as he is the servant 
of Jesu both day and night.” The ninth year of the reign 
of Edward IV. would be somewhere in 1469 or 1470: 
thus, while the Wars of the Roses were thundering about 
England, while Edward and Warwick the king-maker 
were apparently shaking the world with their desperate 
struggle, our Sir Thomas Maleore, knight, was sitting 
down quietly day by day, and poring over the five great 
French romances — the Merlin, the Tristram, the Launce- 
lot, the Quest of the Saint Grail, and the Death of Arthur 
— which appear to have furnished the main materials of 
his book. 

And our long account now closes, in bringing Malory 
into contact with another one of the most interesting 
Englishmen who ever lived. This is William Caxton, the 
first English printer. How much on the surface were 
these noisy Wars of the Roses, after all ! must we reflect, 
when we remember that just about the time of the hide- 
ous battle of Barnet, in which Edward IV. finally defeated 
the king-maker Warwick, Caxton was bringing over the 
first printing-press to England, and beginning to publish 
poetry, chronicles, and philosophy. It was after he had 
been at work for some time that he was asked why he had 
not printed the history of King Arthur. His own account 
of the matter is not only interesting in itself, but will fur 
nish a fit close to the specimens of older language 1 have 
been giving. It would seem that after this request he 
began to look about for some suitable manuscript on the 
subject, and. so came — in what way is wholly unknown — 
to the knowledge of Malory’s book. Here is the opening 


xviii Introduction . 

of Caxton’s own prologue, or preface, to his edition of Sir 
Thomas’s work. 1 

“ After that I had accomplysshed and fynysshed dyvers 
hystoryes, as well of contemplacyon as of other hystoryal 
and worldly actes of grete conquerours and prynces, and 
also certeyn bookes of ensaumples and doctryne, many 
noble and dyvers gentylmen of thys royame of Englond 
camen and demaunded me many and oftymes wherfore 
that I have not do make and enprynte the noble hystorye 
of the saynt greal, and of the moost renomed crysten 
kyng, fyrst and chyef of the thre best crysten and worthy, 
kyng Arthur, whyche ought moost to be remembred 
emonge us Englysshe men tofore al other crysten kynges.” 

It appears that Caxton was an unbeliever, as to King 
Arthur ; for to the persons so inquiring he at first “ an- 
swered that dyvers men holde oppynyon that there was no 
suche Arthur,” and the like ; and it is worth while to note 
the silliness of the arguments which satisfied the simple 
old soul, as contrasted with the severity of historic con- 
science since physical science has taught us to scorn the 
comfort of vagueness in all matters where it is possible 
to know the exact truth. To these doubts of Caxton’s, 
his friends “answerd, and one in specyal sayd, that 
in hym that shold say or thynke that there was never 
suche a kyng callyd Arthur, myght wel be aretted [ sup* 
posed] grete folye and blyndenesse ; for he sayd that there 
were many evydences of the contrarye. Fyrst ye may 
see his sepulture in the monasterye of Glastyngburye, and 
also in Polycronycon, in the v book the syxte chappytre, 
and in the seventh book the xxiii chappytre, where his 
body was buryed and after founden and translated into the 

1 Only two copies of this edition now remain, one of which is incomplete* 
The complete copy is now in the library of the Earl of Jersey. 


Introduction . 


xlx 


sayd monasterye. Ye shal se also in thystorye of Bochas 
[Boccaccio] in his book de casu principum, parte of his 
noble actes and also of his falle. Also Galfrydus [ Geof- 
frey , latinized ], in his Brutysshe book, recounteth his lyf. 
And in divers places of Englond many remembraunces 
ben yet of hym and shall remayne perpetuelly, and also of 
his knyghtes. Fyrst, in the abbay of Westmestre at saynt 
Edwardes shryne remayneth the prynte of his seal in reed 
[ red] waxe closed in beryll, inwhych is wryton Patricius 
Art hurus , BHtannie, Gallie , Germanie, Dacie , imperator. 
Item [also], in the castel of Dover ye may see Gauwayns 
skulle, and Cradoks mantel ; at Wynchester, the rounde 
table; in other places, Launcelottes swerde [sword], and 
many other thynges. Thenne al these thynges con* 
sydered, there can no man reasonably gaynsaye but there 
was a kyng of thys lande named Arthur. . . . And also 
he is more spoken of beyonde the see, moe bookes made 
of his noble actes, than there be in Englond, as wel in 
Duche, Ytalyen, Spanysshe, and Grekysshe, as in Frensshe. 
And yet of record remayne in wytnesse of hym in Wales, 
in the toune of Camelot, the grete stones and mervayllous 
werkys of yron lyeing under the grounde, and ryal [royal] 
vautes [vaults], which dyvers now lyvyng hath seen. . . . 
Thenne al these thynges forsayd aledged, / coude not wel 
denye but that there was suche a 7ioble kyng named Arthur ■/* 
and so finally he proceeds to “enprynte a book of the 
noble hystoryes of the sayd kynge Arthur, and of certeyn 
of his knyghtes, after a copye unto me delyvered, whyche 
copye syr Thomas Malorye dyd take oute of certeyn 
bookes of Frensshe and reduced it into Englysshe.” 

And so, after running over England and France, in the 
twelfth century like a Scott’s-novel in the nineteenth ; 
after growing, branching into new tales, absorbing new 


XX 


Introduction. 


heroes, embodying new ideas, employing new writers, and 
delighting whole countries, through Wace, Map, Layamon, 
Gaimar, de Borron, and many other authors, until the 
latter part of the fifteenth century : all the separate sto- 
ries originating in Geoffrey’s history are brought together 
and moulded into one work, with a sort of beginning, a 
plot, and a crisis, by Sir Thomas Malory, who may thus, 
with but little strain, be said to have written the first 
English novel. And his modifications and general treat- 
ment of his material — of which no details can be given 
here — suffice, I think, to give him a claim to this book, 
not as a mere compilation, but as a work in which so 
much of himself is mingled that it is largely, and in some 
of its best features, his own. This is indeed almost a 
peculiar circumstance characterizing the successive im- 
provements of the Arthurian story as it comes on down 
the ages. We might fairly trace the growth of English 
civilization by comparing with the earliest conceptions of 
King Arthur the latest ideal of him in our literature given 
us by our own great master Tennyson. It is interesting to 
recall here that Milton at first chose the Arthurian story 
to make a great poem of, and dearly cherished the idea ; 
but the troublous times long prevented any great work, 
and he finally found the larger theme of Paradise Lost. 

And now, — when four hundred years after Caxton 
printed this book for “ many noble and divers gentlemen of 
this realm of England,” you find a later editor re-arranging 
the old grown-people’s story for many noble and divers 
boys both of England and America, — perhaps the fore- 
going account may justify you in a certain sense of proud 
responsibility as you recall the question with which I 
began this long inquiry. 


Introduction. 


xxi 

No book ever needed less pointing-out of its intrinsic 
faults and beauties than this frank work of a soul so trans- 
parent that one is made to think of the Wakulla Spring in 
Florida where one can see a penny on the bottom at a 
hundred feet depth. I will but ask you to observe spe- 
cially the majestic manhood of Sir Launcelot during those 
dolorous last days when King Arthur, under the frenzied 
advice of Sir Gawaine, brings two great armies in succes- 
sion to besiege Joyous Gard. Day after day Gawaine, 
and sometimes Arthur, call out the vilest taunts and dares 
and accusations over the walls ; but ever Sir Launcelot, 
though urged even by his own indignant followers within, 
replies with a grave and lordly reasonableness which 
shames his enemies beyond measure : twice he fights a 
great single-handed battle with Sir Gawaine, and, although 
Gawaine is miraculously helped, wounds him sorely, yet 
spares his life ; he charges his knights to be still loyal to 
King Arthur, and to do the king no hurt, upon pain of 
death ; and one day in a general engagement when King 
Arthur is unhorsed Sir Launcelot himself flies to the 
rescue, places the king on horseback again, and sees him 
safe, with perfect tenderness and loyalty. Larger be- 
havior is not shown us anywhere in English literature. 
And from this point on, the pictures of the passing of 
Arthur, of Launcelot grovelling on the tomb of the king, 
of Launcelot’s own strange departure, and of Sir Ector 
lamenting Sir Launcelot and describing that great knight 
in his lamentation, — are wrought with a simple art that 
is as perfect as artlessness. In the Introduction to The 
Boy' s Froissart — to which this is intended as a companion- 
book — I have pointed out the proper relation of this work 
as a picture of times and manners, and have discussed the 
old and the modern knight. I will therefore add but a brief 


xxii 


Introduction . 


explanation of the manner in which I have brought for- 
ward the old text. 

Every word in the book, except those which occur in 
brackets, is Malory’s, unchanged except that the spelling 
is modernized. Of the bracketed words, there are two 
sorts, fulfilling different functions : those in italics are 
always in explanation of the word or phrase immediately 
before ; while those not italicised are the editor’s, being 
connective clauses in which I have a few times found it 
convenient to preserve the thread of a story which could 
not be given entire. I have also changed the division 
into books, from Caxton’s wholly unreasonable arrange- 
ment of twenty-one, to six, each mainly occupied with 
adventures turning upon the hero or event which names 
it. 

Into the fine fellowship, then, of lordly Sir Launcelot, 
of generous Sir Tristram, of stainless Sir Galahad, of 
gentle Sir Percival, of meek Sir Gareth of Orkney, of 
brilliant Sir Palamides the Saracen, of dolorous Sir 
Balin and Sir Balan, of persevering Sir la Cote Mai 
Taile, of hilarious Sir Dinadan, and of a hundred more, — 
as well, alas ! as into the ungentle company of cowardly 
King Mark, of traitorous Sir Mordred, and of wicked 
Morgan le Fay, — I commit you, with feelings so like 
those with which Caxton closes his prologue that I can- 
not help applying to the young readers of this work his 
farewell words to his maturer audience. “And for to 
passe the tyme, this book shal be plesaunte to rede in, 
but for to gyve fayth and byleve that al is trewe that is 
contained herin, ye be at your lyberte ; but al is wryton 
for our doctryne,” and this book is therefore sent forth 
“to the entente that noblemen may see and lerne the 
noble actes of chyvalrye, the jentyl and vertuous dedes* 


Introduction . 


xxiii 


that somme knyghtes used in tho days, by whyche they 
came to honour, and how they that were vycious were 
punysshed, and often put to shame and rebuke, humbly 
bysechying al noble lordes and ladyes, wyth al other es- 
tates, of what estate or degree they been of, that shal see 
and rede in this sayd book ' nd werke, that they take the 
good and honest actes j* their remembraunce, and to 
folowe the same.’ , 


Baltimore, Md., October 


Sidney Laniek. 


































• . 



































































CONTENTS 


BOOK L 

OF KING ARTHUR. 

CHAPTER I. 

PACK 

Of the Birth of King Arthur, and of his Nourishing, and 
of the Death of King Utherpendragon, and how Arthur 
was chosen King, and of Wonders and Marvels of a 
Sword that was taken out of Stone by the said Arthur, i 

CHAPTER II. 

How King Arthur pulled out the Sword Divers Times. . 4 

CHAPTER III. 

How Arthur was crowned King, and how he made Officers, 6 

CHAPTER IV. 

How Griflet was made Knight, and how he jousted with a 
Knight 7 

CHAPTER V. 

How Merlin saved King Arthur’s Life, and threw an En- 
chantment upon King Pellinore, and made him to fall 
on Sleep 9 

CHAPTER VI. 

How Arthur by the Mean of Merlin GAr Excalibur his 
Sword of the Lady of the Lake .... 13 

XXT 


XXVI 


Contents . 


CHAPTER VII. 

How Tidings came to King Arthur that King Ryence had 
overcome Eleven Kings, and how he desired King Arthur’s 
Beard to purple [border] his Mantle . . 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Of a Damsel which came girt with a Sword, for to find a 
Man of such Virtue to draw it out of the Scabbard 


CHAPTER IX. 

How Balin, arrayed like a Poor Knight, pulled out the 
Sword, which afterward was Cause of his Death 

CHAPTER X. 

How the Lady the Lake demanded the Knight’s Head 
that had won the Sword, or the Maiden’s Head 

CHAPTER XI. 

How Merlin told the Adventure of the Damsel . 

CHAPTER XII. 

How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, a Knight of Ire- 
land, and how Balin slew him ... ... 

CHAPTER XIII. 

How a Damsel which was in Love with Lanceor, slew her- 
self for his Love, and how Balin met with his Brother 
Balan 


CHAPTER XIV. 

How a Dwarf reproved Balin for the Death of Lanceor, 
and how King Mark of Cornwall found them, and made 
a Tomb over them 


CHAPTER XV. 

How Merlin prophesied that Balin should strike the Do- 
lorous Stroke 

CHAPTER XVI. 

How Balin and his Brother by the Counsel of Merlin took 
King Ryence, and brought him to King Arthur . 


FAGS. 

16 

i? 

i9 

22 

24 

25 

I 

27 

28 

30 

31 


Contents . 


xxvii 


CHAPTER XVII. 

How King Arthur had a Battle against Nero and King 
Lot, and how Twelve Kings were slain 


PAGE. 

33 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

Of the Interment of Twelve Kings, and of the Prophecy 
of Merlin, and how Balin should give the Dolorous 
Stroke 35 

CHAPTER XIX. 

How a Sorrowful Knight came before King Arthur, and 
how Balin fetched him, and how that Knight was slain 


by a Knight Invisible 37 

CHAPTER XX. 

How the Damsel bled for the Custom of a Castle. . . 39 


V 


CHAPTER XXI. 

How Balin met with the Knight named Garlon at a Feast, 

AND THERE HE SLEW HIM TO HAVE HIS BLOOD TO HEAL THERE- 
WITH the Son of his Host 


40 


CHAPTER XXII. 


How Balin fought with King Pellam, and how his Sword 

BRAKE, AND HOW HE GAT A SPEAR WHEREWITH HE SMOTE THE 

Dolorous Stroke 4a 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

How Balin met with his Brother Balan, and how each of 

THEM SLEW OTHER UNKNOWN, TILL THEY WERE WOUNDED TO 

Death 43 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

How King Arthur took and wedded Guenever unto his 
Wife 46 

CHAPTER XXV. 

How the Knights of the Round Table were ordained, and 
how their Sieges [ stats ] were blessed by the Archbishop 
of Canterbury * 4* 


xxviii 


Contents , 


BOOK II. 

OF SIR LAUNCELOT DU LAKE. 

CHAPTER I. 

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the Court 
FOR TO SEEK ADVENTURES, AND HOW SlR LIONEL LEFT SlR 
Launcelot sleeping, and was taken 

CHAPTER II. 

How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir Launcelot, and 
HOW HE WAS TAKEN BY SlR TURQUINE 

CHAPTER III. 

How Four Queens found Sir Launcelot sleeping, and how 
by Enchantment he was taken and led into a Castle 

CHAPTER IV. 

How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the Means of a Dam- 
sel 


CHAPTER V. 

How Sir Launcelot was received of King Bagdemagus* 
Daughter, and how he made his complaint unto her 
Father 


CHAPTER VI. 

How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a Tournament, and how 
HE MET WITH SlR TURQUINE LEADING AWAY SlR GAHERIS 

CHAPTER VII. 

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought together 

CHAPTER VIII. 

How Sir Launcelot slew Two Giants, and made a Casitjs 
Free . 


vac». 

5 ° 

54 

56 

5 » 

60 

63 

66 


Contents , 


xxix 


CHAPTER IX. 

PAGK 

How Sir Launcelot followed a Brachet into a Castle, 

WHERE AS HE FOUND A DEAD KNIGHT, AND HOW AFTER- 
WARD HE WAS REQUIRED OF A DAMSEL FOR TO HEAL HER 

Brother 70 


CHAPTER X. 

How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous, and 

GAT THERE OF a DEAD CORPSE A PIECE OF THE CLOTH AND A 

Sword 71 


CHAPTER XI. 

How Sir Launcelot at the Request of a Lady recovered a 
Falcon, by which he was deceived 75 

CHAPTER XII. 

How Sir Launcelot came unto King Arthur’s Court, and 
how there were recounted of his Noble Feats and Acts, 77 

CHAPTER XIII. 

How Sir Launcelot became mad, and leaped from a Win- 
dow . 79 


CHAPTER XIV. 

What Sorrow Queen Guenever made for Sir Launcelot, and 
how he was sought by Knights of his Kin .... 80 

CHAPTER XV. 

How Sir Launcelot in his Madness took a Sword, and fought 
with a Knight, and after leaped in a Bed .... 8a 

CHAPTER XVI. 

How Sir Launcelot was carried in a Horse-Litter, and how 
Sir Launcelot rescued Sir Bliant his Host .... 84 

CHAPTER XVII. 

How Sir Launcelot was known by Dame Elaine, and how 

HE WAS BORNE INTO A CHAMBER, AND AFTER HEALED BY THE 

Holy Grail . 8* 


xxx Contents . 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Of a Great Tournament in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir 
Percival fought with him ; how each of them knew other, 
and of their Great Courtesy, and how his Brother Sir 
Ector came unto him, and of their Joy . 

CHAPTER XIX. 

How Sir Launcelot with Sir Percival and Sir Ector came 
to the Court, and of their Great Joy of him 


BOOK III. 

OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY. 

CHAPTER I. 

How Beaumains came to King Arthur’s Court, and demanded 
Three Petitions of King Arthur . 

CHAPTER II. 

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth because 
Sir Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a Damsel which 
desired a Knight for to fight for a Lady .... 

CHAPTER III. 

How Beaumains desired the Battle, and how it was granted 

HIM, AND HOW he DESIRED TO BE MADE KNIGHT OF SlR LAUN- 
CELOT .... . 


CHAPTER IV. 

How Beaumains departed, and how he got of Sir Kay a Spear 
and a Shield, and how he jousted and fought with Sir 
Launcelot 


CHAPTER V. 

How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his Name, and how 

HE WAS DUBBED KNIGHT OF SlR LAUNCELOT, AND AFTER OVER- 
TOOK the Damsel 


fAM. 


9C 


94 


96 


99 


101 


»oa 


104 


Contents 


xxxi 


CHAPTER VI. 

How Sir Beaumains fought with the Knight of the Black 
Lawns, and he fought so long with him that the Black 
Knight fell down and died 

CHAPTER VII. 

How the Brother of the Knight that was Slain met with 
Sir Beaumains, and fought with Sir Beaumains, which 
yielded him at the last ... . 

CHAPTER VIII. 

How the Damsel always rebuked Sir Beaumains, and would 

NOT SUFFER HIM TO SIT AT HER TABLE, BUT CALLED HIM 

Kitchen Page .... 

CHAPTER IX. 

How Sir Beaumains suffered Great Rebukes of the Damsel, 

AND HE SUFFERED IT PATIENTLY . . .... 

CHAPTER X. 

How Sir Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of Inde, and 

MADE HIM TO BE YIELDEN 

CHAPTER XI. 

How the Damsel and Beaumains came to the Siege, and came 
to a Sycamore Tree, and there Beaumains blew a Horn, 

AND THEN THE KNIGHT OF THE RED LAWNS CAME TO FIGHT 
WITH HIM . 


CHAPTER XII. 

How the Two Knights met together, and of their Talking, 

AND HOW THEY BEGAN THEIR BATTLE 

CHAPTER XIII. 

How after Long Fighting Beaumains overcame the Knight, 

AND WOULD HAVE SLAIN HIM, BUT AT THE REQUEST OF THE 

Lords he saved his Life, and made him to yield him to 
the Lady ' 

CHAPTER XIV. 

How the Knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him 
to go unto King Arthur’s Court, and to cry Sir Launcelot 
Mercy 


FAGK. 

106 


109 


in 


112 


115 


117 


119 


121 


124 


Contents 


xxxii 


CHAPTER XV. 

How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains, came to the 
Presence of his Lady, and how they took Acquaintance, 

AND OF THEIR LOVE 


CHAPTER XVI. 

How at the Feast of Pentecost all the Knights that Sir 
Gareth had overcome came and yielded them unto King 
Arthur ....... ... 


CHAPTER XVII. 

How the Queen of Orkney came to this Feast of Pentecost, 

AND INQUIRED OF HER SON SlR GARETH 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

How King Arthur sent for the Lady Lyoness, and how Sir 
Gareth acknowledged that they loved each other to 
King Arthur, and of the Day of their Wedding 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Of the Great Royalty and what Officers were made at the 
Feast of Sir Gareth and Dame Lyoness’ Wedding, and of 
the Great Jousting at the same Feast and Wedding 


BOOK IV. 

OF SIR TRISTRAM. 

CHAPTER I. 

How Sir Tristram de Lyonesse was born, and how his 
Mother desired that his Name should be Tristram . 

CHAPTER II. 

[How the Stepmother of Young Tristram would have poi- 
soned HIM, AND HOW he DELIVERED HER FROM THE FlRE, OF 
his Great Forgiveness] 


PAGE. 

xaf 


13a 


*35 


*37 


*40 


*44 


*41 


Contents . 


xxxiii 


CHAPTER III. 

PAGK. 

How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to 

GOVERN HIM NAMED GOUVERNAIL, AND HOW HE LEARNED TO 

harp, hawk, and hunt 147 


CHAPTER IV. 

How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask Truage 
of Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore. . . 148 


CHAPTER V. 

How Sir Tristram enterprised the Battle to fight for the 
Truage of Cornwall, and how he was made Knight . .150 


CHAPTER VI. 

How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for to furnish 
the Battle with Sir Marhaus . . . 153 

CHAPTER VII. 

How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus and finished 
his Battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his Ships . . 154 x 


CHAPTER VIII. 

How Sir Marhaus, after he was arrived in Ireland, died of 
the stroke that Tristram had given him, and how Tris- 
tram was hurt 156 


CHAPTER IX. 

How Sir Tristram was put to the Keeping of la Belle 
Isolde to be healed of his Wound • 158 

CHAPTER X. 

IlOw Sir Tristram won the Degree at a Tournament in Ire- 
land, AND THERE MADE PALAMIDES TO BEAR NO HARNESS IN A 

Year 160 


CHAPTER XI. 

How the Queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain hee 
Brother Sir Marhaus by his Sword, and in what Jeopardy 


he was 


162 


XXXIV 


Contents , 


CHAPTER XII. 

How Sir Tristram departed from King Anguish and la 
Belle Isolde out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for la Belle Isolde 
toward Ireland, and how by Fortune he arrived into 
England ... 


CHAPTER XIV. 

How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to come unto 
King Arthur’s Court for Treason 

CHAPTER XV. 

How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish, and overcame 
his Adversary, and how his Adversary would never yield 
him 


CHAPTER XVI. 

How Sir Tristram demanded la Belle Isolde for King Mark, 
AND OF THE WEDDING OF KING MARK TO LA BELLE ISOLDE . 

CHAPTER XVII. 

How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he sor- 
rowed, AND WAS SO LONG IN A FOREST TILL HE WAS OUT OF 
his Mind 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a Well, and how he 
slew a Giant 


CHAPTER XIX. 

How King Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and made him to 
be borne Home to Tintagil, and how he was there known 
by a Brachet 


CHAPTER XX. 

How Sir Tristram came into England, and jousted with 
King Arthur and Sir Launcelot so worthily that the 
Prize was given to him ; and how King Arthur made him 
Knight of the Round Table . . . . . . 


PACK 

164 


167 


168 


170 


>73 


174 


>75 


177 


180 


Contents. 


XXXV 


CHAPTER XXL 

How a Young Man came into the Court of King Arthur, 
and how Sir Kay called him in Scorn, la Cote Mal 
Taile 


CHAPTER XXII. 

How a Damsel came unto the Court and desired a Knight 
TO TAKE ON HIM AN INQUEST, WHICH LA COTE MAL TAILE EM- 

prised 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

How Sir la Cote Mal Taile overthrew Sir Dagonet, King 
Arthur’s Fool, and of the Rebuke that he had of the 
Damsel 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

How la Cote Mal Taile fought against an Hundred Knights, 

AND HOW HE ESCAPED BY THE MEAN OF A LADY 

CHAPTER XXV. 

How Sir Launcelot came to the Court and heard of Sir la 
Cote Mal Taile, and how he followed after him, and 
how Sir la Cote Mal Taile was Prisoner . 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

How Sir Launcelot fought with six Knights, and after 

THAT HE FOUGHT WITH SlR BRIAN, AND HOW HE DELIVERED 
ALL THE PRISONERS 


CHAPTER XXVII. 

How Sir Launcelot met with the Damsel named Maledisant, 

AND HOW HE NAMED HER THE DAMSEL BlENPENSANT 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

How la Cote Mal Taile was taken Prisoner, and after 
rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot over- 
came Four Brethren 


FAGS. 

183 




187 


I89 


192 


194 


196 


199 


xxxvi 


Contents , 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

How Sir Launcelot made la Cote Mal Taile Lord of the 
Castle of Pendragon, and after he was made Knight of 
the Round Table 


CHAPTER XXX. 

IIow, for the Despite of Sir Tristram, King Mark came 
with Two Knights into England, and how Dagonet, King 
Arthur’s Fool, put him to Flight 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

How King Arthur made King Mark to be accorded with Sir 
Tristram, and how they departed toward Cornwall. 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

How at a Great Feast that King Mark made, an Harper 
came and sang the Lay that Dinadan had made. 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

How King Mark slew by Treason his Brother Boudwine for 
Good Service that he had done to him 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

How Anglides, Boudwine’s Wife, escaped with her Young 
Son Alisander Lorfelin, and came to the Castle of Arun- 
del .... 


CHAPTER XXXV. 

How Anglides gave the Bloody Doublet unto Alisander her 
Son the same Day that he was made Knight, and the 
Charge withal .... . . 


CHAPTER XXXVI. 

How Sir Alisander won the Prize at a Tournament, and of 
Morgan le Fay. And how he fought with Sir Malgrin 
and slew him 


CHAPTER XXXVII. 

How Queen Morgan le Fay had Sir Alisander in her Castle, 
and how she healed his Wounds 


FAGB. 

202 


203 


205 


207 


208 


210 


212 


2, 5 


218 


Contents. xxxvii 


CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

rA(ix 

How Sir Alisander was delivered from Queen Morgan le 
Fay by the Means of a Damsel 220 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

How Alisander met with Alice la Belle Pilgrim, and how 
he jousted with two Knights; and after of him and of 
Sir Mordred ... 22a 


CHAPTER XL. 

How Sir Tristram met with Sir Dinadan, and of their De- 
vices, and what he said unto Sir Gawaine’s Brethren . 225 

CHAPTER XLI. 

How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir Gahe- 
ris, and how Sir Dinadan was sent for by la Belle 
Isolde 229 


CHAPTER XLII. 

How Sir Dinadan met with Sir Tristram, and with jousting 
with Sir Palamides Sir Dinadan knew him . . . .232 

CHAPTER XLIII. 

HOW THEY APPROACHED THE CASTLE OF LONAZEP, AND OF OTHER 

Devices of the Death of Sir Lamorak 255 

CHAPTER XLIV. 

HOW THEY CAME TO HUMBER BANK, AND HOW THEY FOUND A 

Ship there, wherein lay the Body of King Hermance . 238 

CHAPTER XLV. 

How Sir Tristram with his Fellowship came and were with 
an Host which after fought with Sir Tristram; and 
other Matters 240 


CHAPTER XLVI. 

How Sir Palamides went for to fight with Two Brethren 
for the Death of King Hermance ...... 244 


xxxviii Contents . 


CHAPTER XLVII. 

The Copy of the Letter written for to revenge the King’s 
Death, and how Sir Palamides fought for to have the 
Battle 


CHAPTER XLVII I. 

Of the Preparation of Sir Palamides and the Two Brethren 
that should fight with him 

CHAPTER XLIX. 

Of the Battle between Sir Palamides and the Two Brethren, 
and how the Two Brethren were slain . 

CHAPTER L. 

How Sir Tristram and Sir Launcelot, with Sir Palamides, 
came to Joyous Gard, and of Sir Palamides and of Sir 
Tristram 

CHAPTER LI. 

How there was a Day set between Sir Tristram and Sir 
Palamides for to fight, and how Sir Tristram was hurt, 

CHAPTER LII. 

How that Sir Palamides kept his Day for to have foughten, 
but Sir Tristram might not come 

CHAPTER LIII. 

How Sir Tristram departed unarmed, and met with Sir 
Palamides, and how Sir Palamides forbore him . 

CHAPTER LIV. 

How that Sir Tristram gat him Harness of a Knight which 

WAS HURT, AND HOW HE OVERTHREW SlR PALAMIDES 

CHAPTER LV. 

How Sir Tristram and Sir Palamides fought long together, 

AND AFTER ACCORDED; AND HOW SlR TRISTRAM MADE HIM TO 
BE CHRISTENED * 


CHAPTER LVI. 

How King Mark slew Sir Tristram by Treachery, and la 
Belle Isolde died of Grief. . 


PAGE. 

246 

249 

252 

255 

257 

259 

260 

262 

264 


266 


Contents 


XXX1> 


t 


BOOK V. 

OF SIR GALAHAD AND SIR PERCIVAL. 

CHAPTER I. 

How the Letters were found written in the Siege Peril- 
ous, AND OF THE MARVELLOUS ADVENTURE OF THE SWORD IN A 
Stone 


CHAPTER II. 

[How an Old Man] brought Sir Galahad unto the Siege 
Perilous, and set him therein; and how King Arthur 
showed the Stone, hoving on the water, to Galahad, and 

HOW HE DREW OUT THE SWORD 

CHAPTER III. 

Ilow the Queen desired to see Sir Galahad, and how, after, 
all the Knights were replenished with the Holy Grail, 

AND HOW THEY AVOWED THE INQUEST OF THE SAME . 

CHAPTER IV. 

How Great Sorrow was made of the King and the Queen 
and Ladies for the Departing of the Knights, and how 

THEY DEPARTED 


CHAPTER V. 

How Sir Galahad gat him a Shield, and how they sped that 

PRESUMED TO TAKE DOWN THAT SHIELD 

CHAPTER VI. 

How Galahad departed with the Shield, and how King 
Evelake had received, the Shield of Joseph of Arima- 

THEA 


CHAPTER VII. 

How Sir Galahad fought with the Knights of the Castle, 

AND DESTROYED THE WICKED CUSTOM 


FAGB. 

267 


270 


273 


275 


vn 


279 


281 


xl Contents . 


CHAPTER VIII. 

How Sir Galahad met with Sir Launcelot and with Sir 
Percival, and smote them down, and departed from them, 

CHAPTER IX. 

How Sir Percival rode a Fiend in the Shape of a Horse, 
and how he saw a Serpent and a Lion fight 

CHAPTER X. 

Of Wonders and Marvels of a Ship, and of a Sword which 
Sir Galahad found therein 

CHAPTER XI. 

How King Pelles was smitten through Both Thighs because 

HE DREW THE SWORD, AND OTHER MARVELLOUS HISTORIES 

CHAPTER XII. 

How Solomon took David’s Sword by the Counsel of his 
Wife, and of other Matters Marvellous .... 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Of the Wonderful Tale of King Solomon and his Wife 

CHAPTER XIV. 

How Sir Launcelot entered into the Ship where Sir Per- 
cival’s Sister lay Dead, and how he met with Sir Gala- 
had his Son 


CHAPTER XV. 

How Sir Launcelot was nigh the Sancgreal, but was driven 

FORTH FROM IT, WITH TERRORS AND WONDERS . . . . 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Wow Sir Galahad achieved the Sancgreal, and was taken 
up into Heaven 


CHAPTER XVII. 

How Sir Percival died, and Sir Bors returned to Camelot. 


U6B. 

28s 

286 

288 

291 

293 

29s 

298 

300 

303 

30 4 


Contents. 


xli 


BOOK VI. 

OF THE DEATH OF ARTHUR. 

CHAPTER I. 

IIow Queen Guenever was appealed of Murdering a Knight, 

CHAPTER II. 

IIow Sir Mador impeached the Queen of Treason, and there 
was no Knight who would fight for her at the First 
Time 


CHAPTER III. 

How the Queen required Sir Bors to fight for her, and 
how he granted her upon a Condition, and how he 
warned Sir Launcelot thereof 

CHAPTER IV. 

How at the Day Sir Bors made him ready for to fight for 
Queen Guenever, and how another discharged him when 

HE SHOULD FIGHT 


CHAPTER V. 

How Sir Launcelot fought against Sir Mador for the 
Queen, and how he overcame Sir Mador and discharged 
the Queen 

CHAPTER VI. 

How the Truth was known by the Damsej of the Lake, and 
of divers other Matters 

CHAPTER VII. 

How Sir Launcelot rode to Astolat, and received a Sleeve 
to bear upon his Helm at the Request of a Maid 

CHAPTER VIII. 

How the Tournament began at Winchester, and what 
Knights were at the Jousts, and of other Matters . . 


VACS. 

3°J 

307 

310 

3*3 

3iS 

3>* 

f 

3*o 

3** 


xlii Contents. 


CHAPTER IX. 

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine entered in the Field 

AGAINST THEM OF KING ARTHUR’S COURT, AND HOW LAUNCE- 
LOT WAS HURT 

CHAPTER X. 

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed out of the 
Field, and in what Jeopardy Sir Launcelot was 

CHAPTER XI. 

How Sir Launcelot was brought unto an Hermit for to be 

HEALED OF HIS WOUND, AND OF OTHER MATTERS 

CHAPTER XII. 

How Sir Gawaine had Knowledge that it was Sir Launce- 
lot THAT BARE THE RED SLEEVE 

CHAPTER XIII. 

How Fair Elaine and Sir Bors found Sir Launcelot 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Of the Great Lamentation that the Fair Maid of Astolat 

MADE WHEN SlR LAUNCELOT SHOULD DEPART, AND HOW SHE 
DIED FOR HIS LOVE 


CHAPTER XV. 

How the Corpse of the Fair Maid of Astolat arrived 
before King Arthur, and of the Burying, and how Sir 
Launcelot offered the Mass-Penny 

CHAPTER XVI. 

How Queen Guenever rode on Maying with Certain Knights 
of the Round Table clothed all in Green . 

CHAPTER XVII. 

How Sir Meliagrance took the Queen and all her Knights, 
which were sore hurt in fighting ...... 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

How Sir Launcelot rode in a Cart and rescued the Queen, 


FAGK. 

3*4 

327 

330 

333 

335 

338 

34i 

343 

345 

347 


Contents . 


xliii 


CHAPTER XIX. 

How Sir Launcelot was taken in a Trap by Treachery of 
Sir Meliagrance 


CHAPTER XX. 

How Sir Launcelot fought Sir Meliagrance with one Hand 
tied behind, and with his Head and Side bare of Armor, 

CHAPTER XXI. 

How Sir Urre came unto King Arthur’s Court for to be 

HEALED OF HIS WOUNDS, [AND HOW KING ARTHUR AND MANY 

Knights handled him till that Sir Launcelot made him 
whole] 


CHAPTER XXII. 

[How Sir Launcelot again rescued Queen Guenever from 
the Fire, and carried her away, and of the Wars be- 
twixt him and King Arthur] 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Of the Communication between King Arthur and Sir Laun- 
celot, and how King Arthur reproved him . 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

How King Arthur and Sir Gawaine made a Great Host 
ready to go over Sea to make War on Sir Launcelot 

CHAPTER XXV. 

How Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot did Battle together, 
and how Sir Gawaine was overthrown and hurt 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Of the Sorrow that King Arthur made for the War, and 

OF ANOTHER BATTLE WHERE ALSO SlR GAWAINE HAD THE 
WORSE 


CHAPTER XXVII. 

How Sir Mordred presumed and took on him to be King of 
England, and would have married the Queen . 


PAGE. 

349 

350 

353 

359 

36a 

367 

37 * 

374 

377 


xliv 


Contents 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 

How AFTER THAT KING ARTHUR HAD TIDINGS, HE RETURNED AND 
came to Dover, where Sir Mordred met him to let his 
Landing, and of the Death of Sir Gawaine . 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

How after Sir Gawaine’s Ghost appeared to King Arthur, 

AND WARNED HIM THAT HE SHOULD NOT FIGHT THAT DAY 

CHAPTER XXX. 

How by Misadventure of an Adder the Battle began, where 
Sir Mordred was slain and King Arthur wounded to 
Death . 


CHAPTER XXXI. 

How King Arthur commanded to cast his Sword Excalibur 
into the Water, and how he was delivered to Ladies in 
a Barge 


CHAPTER XXXII. 

How Sir Bedivere found King Arthur dead on the Morrow 
in an Hermitage, and how he abode there with the Her- 
mit 


CHAPTER XXXIII. 

How when Sir Launcelot heard of the Death of King 
Arthur and of Sir Gawaine, he came into England . 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

How Sir Launcelot departed to seek the Queen Guenever, 

AND HOW HE FOUND HER AT ALMESBURY 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

How Sir Launcelot went with his Seven Fellows to Almes- 

BURY, AND FOUND THERE QUEEN GUENEVER DEAD, WHOM THEY 
BROUGHT TO GLASTONBURY . 


TAG* 

380 

3»J 

385 

388 

39 * 

393 

394 


397 


Contents . 


xlv 


CHAPTER XXXVI. 


FAGS. 


How Sir Launcelot began to sicken, and after died, whose 
Body was borne to Joyous Gard for to be buried . . 398 


CHAPTER XXXVII. 

How Sir Ector found Sir Launcelot his Brother dead, and 
how Constantine reigned next after King Arthur, and of 
the End of this Boor ......... 


401 


















- 











.,'1 



















































* 



.. 





























* 

































































LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS, 


How Sir Turquine bare Sir Ector clean out of his 

Saddle Frontispiece . 

How Arthur gat his Sword Excalibur . . . .14 

How Balin smote the Dolorous Stroke .... 42 , 

The Knight of the Black Lawns lot f 

How Sir Tristram soused Sir Dagonet in the Well . 175 
How Eliot the Harper sang the Lay that Dinadan 

had made 207 

Sir Galahad brought to the Siege Perilous. . . 271 

Sir Launcelot at the Castle of the Holy Grail . 300 

The Tournament at Camelot 323 

Queen Guenever’s Peril 360 

The Combat of Mordred and King Arthur . . . 387 

How Bedivere bare Arthur to the Waterside . . 390 

xlvii 

























BOOK I. 


OF KING ARTHUR. 


CHAPTER I. 

OF the Birth of King Arthur, and of his Nourishing, and of 
the Death of King Utherpendragon, and how Arthur was 
chosen King, and of Wonders and Marvels of a Sword that 

WAS TAKEN OUT OF STONE BY THE SAID ARTHUR. 

I T befell in the days of the noble Utherpendragon, 
when he was king of England, [that there was born 
to him a son who in after time was King Arthur. How- 
beit the boy knew not he was the king’s son. For when 
he was but a babe] the king commanded two knights and 
two ladies to take the child bound in rich cloth of gold, 
“and deliver him to what poor man you meet at the 
postern gate of the castle.” So the child was delivered 
unto Merlin, and so he bare it forth unto Sir Ector, and 
made an holy man to christen him, and named him 
Arthur; and so Sir Ector’s wife nourished him. Then 
within two years King Uther fell sick of a great malady ; 
[and thereof he died]. Then stood the realm in great 
[danger] a long while, for every lord made him strong, 
and many weened [thought] to have been king. [And 
so, by Merlin’s counsel, all the lords of England came 


2 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


together in the greatest church of London on Christmas 
morn before it was day, to see if God would not show 
by some miracle who should be king.] And when the 
first mass was done there was seen in the church-yard, 
against the high altar, a great stone four-square, like to 
a marble stone, and in the midst thereof was an anvil of 
steel, a foot of height, and therein stuck a fair sword 
naked by the point, and letters of gold were written 
about the sword that said thus : Who so pulleth out 

THIS SWORD OF THIS STONE AND ANVIL, IS RIGHTWISE 
KING BORN OF ENGLAND. 

So when all the masses were done, all the [lords] went 
for to behold the stone and the sword. And when they 
saw the scripture, some assayed [ tried] such as would 
have been king. But none might stir the sword nor 
move it. 

“ He is not yet here,” said the archbishop, “ that shal 1 
achieve the sword, but doubt not God will make him to 
be known. But this is my counsel,” said the archbishop, 
“that we let purvey [provide] ten knights, men of good 
fame, and they to keep this sword.” 

And upon New Year’s day the barons let make a tour- 
nament for to keep the lords together, for the archbishop 
trusted that God would make him known that should win 
the sword. So upon New Year’s day when the service 
was done the barons rode to the field. 

And so it happened that Sir Ector rode to the jousts, 
and with him rode Sir Kay, his son, and young Arthur 
that was his nourished brother. [But Sir] Kay had lost 
his sword, for he had left it at his father’s lodging, and 
so he prayed young Arthur to ride for his sword. “ I 
will with a good will,” said Arthur, and rode fast aftei 
the sword ; and when he came home, the lady and all 


Of King Arthur. 


3 


were gone out to see the jousting. Then was Arthur 
wroth, and said to himself, “ I will ride to the church-yard 
and take the sword with me that sticketh in the stone, 
foi my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this 
day.” And so when he came to the church-yard Arthur 
alighted, and tied his horse to the stile, and so went to 
the tent, and found no knights there, for they were all 
at the jousting ; and so he handled the sword by the 
handles, and lightly and fiercely he pulled it out of the 
stone, and took his horse and rode his way till he came 
to his brother Sir Kay, and delivered him the sword. 
And as soon as Sir Kay saw the sword, he wist [knew] 
well that it was the sword of the stone, and so he rode 
to his father, Sir Ector, and said : “ Sir, lo here is the 
sword of the stone; wherefore I must be king of this 
land.” When Sir Ector beheld the sword, he returned 
again and came to the church, and there they alighted, 
all three, and went into the church, and anon he made 
Sir Kay to swear upon a book how he came to that sword. 

“Sir,” said Sir Kay, “by my brother Arthur, for he 
brought it to me.” 

“ How gate [got] you this sword ? ” said Sir Ector to 
Arthur. 

“ Sir, I will tell you. When I came home for my broth- 
er’s sword, I found nobody at home for to deliver me his 
sword, and so I thought my brother Sir Kay should not 
be swordless, and so I came thither eagerly and pulled 
it out of the stone without any pain.” 

“Found ye any knights about this sword? "said Sir 
Ector. 

“ Nay,” said Arthur. 

“ Now,” said Sir Ector to Arthur, “ I understand that 
you must be king of this land.” 


4 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


“ Wherefore I ? ” said Arthur. 

“Sir,” said Ector, “for there should never man have 
drawn out this sword but he that shall be rightwise king 
of this land. Now let me see whether ye can put the 
sword there as it was and pull it out again.” 

“ That is no mastery,” said Arthur ; and so he put it in 
the stone. Therewith Sir Ector assayed to pull out the 
sword, and failed. 


CHAPTER II. 


How King Arthur pulled out the Sword Divers Times. 

OW assay,” said Sir Ector to Sir Kay. And anon 



1 N he pulled at the sword with all his might but it 
would not be. “Now shall ye assay,” said Sir Ector 
to Arthur. 

“I will well,” said Arthur, and pulled it out easily. 
And therewithal Sir Ector kneeled down to the earth, and 
Sir Kay. 

“ Alas,” said Arthur, “ mine own dear father and brother, 
why kneel ye to me ? ” 

“Nay, nay, my lord Arthur, it is not so: I was never 
your father nor of your blood, but I wote \know\ well ye 
are of an higher blood than I weened [ thought ] ye were.” 
And then Sir Ector told him all. Then Arthur made 
great moan when he understood that Sir Ector was not 
his father. 

“Sir,” said Ector unto Arthur, “will ye be my good 
and gracious lord when ye are king ? ” 

“Else were I to blame,” said Arthur, “for ye are the 
man in the world that I am most beholding {obliged} to, 


Of King Arthur. 


5 


and my good lady and mother your wife, that as well aa 
her own hath fostered and kept me. And if ever it be 
God’s will that I be king, as ye say, ye shall desire of me 
what I may do, and I shall not fail you.” 

“ Sir,” said Sir Ector, “ I will ask no more of you bu« 
that you will make my son, your fostered brother Sir Kay 
seneschal of all your lands.” 

“That shall be done, sir,” said Arthur, “and more by 
the faith of my body ; and never man shall have that 
office but he while that he and I live.” 

Therewithal they went unto the archbishop, and told 
him how the sword was achieved, and by whom. And 
upon the twelfth day all the barons came thither for to 
assay to take the sword. But there afore them all, there 
might none take it out but only Arthur ; wherefore there 
were many great lords wroth, and said, “It was great 
shame unto them all and the realm to be governed with a 
boy of no high blood born.” And so they fell out at that 
time, that it was put off till Candlemas, and then all the 
barons should meet there again. But always the ten 
knights were ordained for to watch the sword both day 
and night ; and so they set a pavilion over the stone and 
the sword, and five always watched. And at Candlemas 
many more great lords came thither for to have won the 
sword, but none of them might prevail. And right as 
Arthur did at Christmas he did at Candlemas, and pulled 
out the sword easily, whereof the barons were sore ag- 
grieved, and put it in delay till the high feast of Easter. 
And as Arthur sped afore, so did he at Easter ; and yet 
there were some of the great lords had indignation that 
Arthur should be their king, and put it off in delay til! 
the feast of Pentecost. 


6 


The Boy' s King Arthur, 


CHAPTER III. 

How Arthur was crowned King, and how he made Officers. 

A ND at the feast of Pentecost all manner of men 
assayed to pull at the sword that would assay, and 
none might prevail; but Arthur pulled it out afore all 
the lords and commons that were there, wherefore all the 
commons cried at once : “ We will have Arthur unto our 
king ; we will put him no more in delay ; for we all see 
that it is God’s will that he shall be our king, and who 
that holdeth against it we will slay him.” And there- 
withal they kneeled down all at once, both rich and poor, 
and cried Arthur mercy, because they had delayed him so 
long. And Arthur forgave it them, and took the sword 
between both his hands, and offered it upon the altar 
where the archbishop was, and so was he made knight of 1 
the best man that was there. And so anon was the coro- 
nation made, and there was he sworn to the lords and 
commons for to be a true king, to stand with true justice 
from thenceforth all the days of this life. Also then he 
made all lords that held of the crown to come in, and to 
do service as they ought to do. And many complaints 
were made unto King Arthur of great wrongs that were 
done since the death of King Uther, of many lands that 
were bereaved of lords, knights, ladies and gentlemen. 
Wherefore King Arthur made the lands to be given again 
unto them that owned] them. When this was done that 
the king had stablished all the countries about London, 

1 “ Of ” was often used for the modern by in Sir Thomas Malory’s time, 
and is still so used upon occasion. “ Made knight of the best man ” thus 
means made knight by the best man. 


Of King Arthur . 


7 


then he let make Sir Kay seneschal of England ; and Sir 
Baudwin of Britain was made constable ; and Sir Ulfius 
was made chamberlain ; and Sir Brastias was made war- 
den to wait upon the north from Trent forwards, for it 
was that time for the most part enemy to the king. 


CHAPTER IV. 


How Griflet was made Knight, and how he jousted with a 
Knight. 

HEN on a day there came into the court a squire on 



X horseback, leading a knight before him wounded to 
the death, and told him there was a knight in the forest 
that had reared up a pavilion by a well [spring] side, “ and 
hath slain my master, a good knight, and his name was 
Miles ; wherefore I beseech you that my master may be 
buried, and that some good knight may revenge my mas- 
ter’s death.” Then was in the court great noise of the 
knight’s death, and every man said his advice. Then 
came Griflet, that was but a squire, and he was but young, 
of the age of King Arthur, so he besought the king, for 
all his service that he had done, to give him the order of 
knighthood. 

“Thou art full young and tender of age,” said King 
Arthur, “for to take so high an order upon thee.” 

“Sir,” said Griflet, “I beseech you to make me a 
knight.” 

“ Sir,” said Merlin, “ it were pity to leese [lose] Griflet, 
for he will be a passing good man when he cometh to 
age, abiding with you the term of his life ; and if he 


8 


The Boy's King Arthur, 


adventure his body with yonder knight at the fountain, 
he shall be in great peril if 1 ever he come again, for he is 
one of the best knights of the world, and the strongest 
man of arms.” 

“ Well,” said King Arthur. So, at the desire of Griflet* 
the king made him knight. 

“Now,” said King Arthur to Sir Griflet, “sithen [since] 
that I have made thee knight, thou must grant me a gift.” 

“ What ye will, my lord,” said Sir Griflet. 

“ Thou shalt promise me, by the faith of thy body, that 
when thou hast jousted with the knight ‘at the fountain, 
whether it fall [happen] that ye be on foot or on horse- 
back, that in the same manner ye shall come again unto 
me without any question or making any more debate.” 

“ I will promise you,” said Griflet, “ as ye desire.” 
Then Sir Griflet took his horse in great haste, and dressed 
his shield, and took a great spear in his hand, and so he 
rode a great gallop till he came to the fountain, and 
thereby he saw a rich pavilion, and thereby under a cloth 
stood a fair horse well saddled and bridled, and on a 
tree a shield of divers colors, and a great spear. Then 
Sir Griflet smote upon the shield with the end of his 
spear, that the shield fell down to the ground. 

With that came the knight out of the pavilion, and 
said, “ Fair knight, why smote ye down my shield ? ” 

“For I will joust with you,” said Sir Griflet. 

“It were better ye did not,” said the knight, “for ye 
are but young and late made knight, and your might is 
nothing to mine.” 

“As for that,” said Sir Griflet, “I will joust with you,” 

“That is me loth,” said the knight, “but sith [since] I 

* “ If ” here means whether. “ In great peril if ever he come again "» in 
great danger of never getting back. 


Of King Arthur . 


9 


must needs, I will dress me thereto; but of whence be 
ye ? ” said the knight. 

“Sir, I am of King Arthur’s court.” So they ran 
together that Sir Griflet’s spear all to-shivered [shivered 
all to pieces], and therewithal he smote Sir Griflet through 
the shield and the left side, and brake the spear, that the 
truncheon stuck in his body, that horse and knight fell 
down. 

When the knight saw him lie so on the ground he 
alighted, and was passing heavy, for he wend [ weened ] he 
had slain him, and then he unlaced his helm and got him 
wind, and so with the truncheon he set him on his horse, 
and betook him to God, and said he had a mighty heart, 
and if he might live he would prove a passing good 
knight. And so Sir Griflet rode to the court, whereas 
great moan was made for him. But through good leeches 
[ surgeons] he was healed and his life saved. 


CHAPTER V. 

How Merlin saved King Arthur’s Life, and threw an Enchant- 
ment upon King Pellinore, and made him to fall on Sleep. 

A ND King Arthur was passing wroth for the hurt of 
ii Sir Griflet. And by and by he commanded a man 
of his chamber that his best horse and armor “ be without 
the city or [before] to-morrow day.” Right so in the morn- 
ing he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted 
up and dressed his shield, and took his spear, and bade 
his chamberlain tarry there till he came again. And so 
King Arthur rode but a soft pace till it was day, and then 
was he ware of three churls which chased Merlin, and 


to 


The Boy's King Arthur . 




would have slain him. Then King Arthur rode unto 
them a good pace, and cried to them: “Flee, churls." 
Then were they afraid when they saw a knight, and fled 
away. “ O Merlin," said King Arthur, “ here hadst thou 
been slain for 1 all thy craft, had I not been." 

“Nay," said Merlin, “not so, for I could save myself if 
1 would, and thou art more near thy death than I am, for 
thou goest toward thy death, and 2 God be not thy friend." 

So, as they went thus talking, they came to the foun ■ 
tain, and the rich pavilion by it. Then King Arthur 
was ware where a knight sat all armed in a chair. “ Sir 
knight," said King Arthur, “for what cause abidest thou 
here ? That there may no knight ride this way but if he 
do joust with thee?" said the king. “I rede [advise] 
thee leave that custom," said King Arthur. 

“This custom," said the knight, “have I used and will 
use, maugre [in spite of] who saith nay; and who is 
grieved with my custom, let him amend it that will." 

“I will amend it," said King Arthur. 

“And I shall defend it," said the knight. Anon he 
took his horse, and dressed his shield, and took a spear, 
and they met so hard either on other’s shield, that they 
all to-shivered [shivered all to pieces] their spears. There- 
with King Arthur drew his sword. “Nay, not so," said 
the knight, “ it is fairer that we twain run more together 
with sharp spears." 

“I will well," said King Arthur, “and [if] I had any 
mo [more] spears.” 

“I have spears enough," said the knight. So there 
came a squire, and brought two good spears, and King 

* « For ” here means in spite of; as still used, in certain phrases. 

* “ And ” means if here. In later times it becomes contracted into “ an,* 
when used in this sense. 


Of King Arthur. 


11 


Arthur took one and he another. So they spurred their 
horses, and came together with all their mights, that either 
brake their spears to their hands. Then Arthur set hand 
on his sword. “ Nay,” said the knight, “ye shall do 
better ; ye are a passing good j ouster as ever I met withal, 
and for the love of the high order of knighthood let us 
joust once again.” 

“I assent me,” said King Arthur. Anon there were 
brought two great spears, and every knight gat a spear, 
and therewith they ran together that Arthur’s spear all 
to-shivered. But the other knight hit him so hard in 
midst of the shield that horse and man fell to the earth, 
and therewith Arthur was eager, and pulled out his sword, 
and said, “I will assay thee, Sir knight, on foot, for I 
have lost the honor on horseback.” 

“ I will be on horseback,” said the knight. Then was 
Arthur wroth, and dressed his shield towards him with 
his sword drawn. When the knight saw that, he alight, 
for him thought no worship to have a knight at such avail, 
he to be on horseback, and he on foot, and so he alight 
and dressed his shield unto Arthur. And there began a 
strong battle with many great strokes, and so hewed with 
their swords that the cantels [ pieces , of armor or of flesJt\ 
flew in the fields, and much blood they bled both, that all 
the place there as they fought was over-bled with blood, 
and thus they fought long, and rested them, and then 
they went to the battle again, and so hurtled together 
like two rams that either fell to the earth. So at the last 
they smote together, that both their swords met even 
together. But the sword of the knight smote King 
Arthur’s sword in two pieces, wherefore he was heavy. 
Then said the knight unto Arthur, “Thou art in my 
danger whether me list to save thee or slay thee, and but 


12 The Boy's King Arthur . 

thou yield thee as overcome and recreant thou shalt 
die.” 

“As for death,” said King Arthur, “welcome be it 
when it cometh, but as to yield me to thee as recreant, I 
had liever die than to be so shamed.” And therewithal 
the king leapt unto Pellinore, and took him by the middle, 
and threw him down, and raced 1 off his helm. When 
the knight felt that, he was adread, for he was a passing 
big man of might, and anon he brought King Arthur 
under him, and raced off his helm, and would have smitten 
off his head. 

Therewithal came Merlin, and said : “ Knight, hold thy 
hand, for and [if] thou slay that knight, thou puttest this 
realm in the greatest damage that ever realm was in, for 
this knight is a man of more worship than thou wottest 
of.” 

“ Why, who is he ? ” said the knight. 

“It is King Arthur.” 

Then would he have slain him for dread of his wrath, 
and heaved up his sword, and therewith Merlin cast an 
enchantment on the knight, that he fell to the earth in a 
great sleep. Then Merlin took up King Arthur, and 
rode forth upon the knight’s horse. “ Alas,” said King 
Arthur, “what hast thou done, Merlin? hast thou slain 
this good knight by thy crafts ? There lived not so wor- 
shipful a knight as he was ; I had liever than the stint 
[loss] of my land a year, that he were on 2 live.” 

“Care ye not,” said Merlin, “for he is wholer than ye, 
for he is but on 3 sleep, and will awake within three hours. 
I told you,” said Merlin, “ what a knight he was ; here 
had ye been slain hid I not been. Also, there liveth not 

1 “ Raced ” off : violently tore off. * “ On live : ” old form of alive, 

u On sleep,” asleep : as just above “ on live.” alive. 


Of King Arthur . 


13 


a better knight then he is, and he shall do you hereafter 
right good service, and his name is Pellinore, and he shah 
have two sons, that shall be passing good men.” 


CHAPTER VI. 


How Arthur by the Mean of Merlin gat Excalibur his Sword 


of the Lady of the Lake. 



IGHT so the king and he departed, and went unto 


XV an hermit that was a good man and a great leech. 
So the hermit searched all his wounds and gave him good 
salves ; and the king was there three days, and then were 
his wounds well amended that he might ride and go. 
So Merlin and he departed, and as they rode, Arthur said, 
“ I have no sword.” 

“No force,” 1 said Merlin, “hereby is a sword that shall 
be yours, and [if ] I may.” So they rode till they came 
to a lake, which was a fair water and a broad, and in the 
middest of the lake King Arthur was ware of an arm 
clothed in white samite, that held a fair sword in the 
hand. “ Lo,” said Merlin, “yonder is that sword that I 
spake of.” With that they saw a damsel going upon the 
lake. 

“ What damsel is that ? ” said Arthur. 

“That is the Lady of the Lake,” said Merlin; “and 
this damsel will come to you anon, and then speak ye fair 
to her that she will give you that sword.” Anon withal 
came the damsel unto Arthur and saluted him, and he 
her again. 

^Damsel,” said Arthur, “what sword is t^at, that 


1 “ No force,” no matter . 


M 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


yonder the arm holdeth above the water ? I would it 
were mine, for I have no sword.” 

“ Sir king,” said the damsel, “ that sword is mine, 2*nd 
if ye will give me a gift when I ask it you, ye shall have 
it.” 

“ By my faith,” said Arthur, “ I will give you what gift 
ye will ask.” 

“ Well,” said the damsel, “ go ye into yonder barge and 
row yourself to the sword, and take it and the scabbard 
with you, and I will ask my gift when I see my time.” 

So King Arthur and Merlin alighted and tied their 
horses to two trees, and so they went into the ship, and 
when they came to the sword that the hand held, King 
Arthur took it up by the handles, and took it with him. 
And the arm and the hand went under the water ; and 
so they came unto the land and rode forth. And then 
King Arthur saw a rich pavilion : “ What signifieth 
yonder pavilion ? ” 

“It is the knight’s pavilion,” said Merlin, “that ye 
fought with last, Sir Pellinore, but he is out, he is not 
there; he hath ado with a knight of yours, that hight 
\was named\ Egglame, and they have fought together, but 
at the last Egglame fled, and else he had been dead, and 
he hath chased him to Caerleon, and we shall anon meet 
with him in the high way.” 

“It is well said,” quoth King Arthur, “now have I a 
sword, and now will I wage battle with him and be 
avenged on him.” 

“ Sir, ye shall not do so,” said Merlin, “ for the knight 
is weary of fighting and chasing, so that ye shall have no 
worship to have ado with him ; also he will not lightly be 
matched of one knight living ; and therefore my counsel 
is that ye let him pass, for he shall do you good service 





How Arthur gat his Sword Excalibur. 



Of King Arthur. 


*5 


in short time, and his sons after his days. Also ye shall 
see that day in short space, that ye shall be right glad to 
give him your sister to wife.” 

“ When I see him,” said King Arthur, “ I will do as ye 
advise me.” 

Then King Arthur looked upon the sword and liked ; t 
passing well. 

“ Whether liketh you better,” said Merlin, “ the sword 
or the scabbard ? ” 

“ Me liketh better the sword,” said King Arthur. 

“Ye are more unwise,” said Merlin, “for the scabbard 
is worth ten of the sword, for while ye have the scabbard 
upon you ye shall leese [lose] no blood be ye never so sore 
wounded, therefore keep well the scabbard alway with 
you.” 

So they rode on to Caerleon, and by the way they met 
with Sir Pellinore. But Merlin had done such a craft that 
Pellinore saw not Arthur, and so he passed by without 
any words. 

“ I marvel,” said the king, “ that the knight would not 
speak.” 

“ Sir,” said Merlin, “ he saw you not, for and [if] he had 
seen you he had not lightly departed.” 

So they came unto Caerleon, whereof the knights were 
passing glad ; and when they heard of his adventures, they 
marvelled that he would jeopard his person so alone. But 
all men of worship said it was merry to be under such a 
chieftain that would put his person in adventure as other 
poor knights did. 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


16 


CHAPTER VII. 

How Tidings came to King Arthur that King Ryence had over- 
come Eleven Kings, and how he desired King Arthur’s Beard 
to purfle [ border ] his Mantle. 

r ‘'T\HE mean while came a messenger hastily from King 
-1- Ryence of North Wales, and he was king of all Ire- 
land, and of many isles ; and this was his message, greet- 
ing well King Arthur in this manner wise, saying, that 
King Ryence had discomfited and overcome eleven kings, 
and every of them did him homage, and that was this, 
they gave him their beards clean flayn of [ stripped off] as 
much as there was ; wherefore the messenger came for 
King Arthur’s beard, for King Ryence had purfled [. bor- 
dered ] a mantle with kings’ beards, and there lacked for 
one place of the mantle, wherefore he sent for his beard, 
or else he would enter into his lands “ and burn and slay, 
and never leave till he have thy head and thy beard.” 

"Well,” said King Arthur, "thou hast said thy mes- 
sage, which is the most villanous and lewdest message 
that ever man heard sent to a king. Also thou mayest 
see my beard full young yet for to make a purfle of. But 
tell thou the king this : I owe him none homage, ne [nor] 
none of mine elders, but or [ere } before] it be long he shall 
do to me homage on both his knees, or else he shall leese 
[lose] his head, by the faith of my body, for this is the 
most shamefullest message that ever I heard speak of; 
I see well the king met never yet with a worshipful man, 
but tell him I will have his head without [unless] he do 
homage unto me.” 

Then the messenger departed. 


Of King Arthur . 


17 

“Now is there any here,” said King Arthur, “that 
knoweth King Ryence ? ” 

Then answered a knight that hight [ was named ] Naram : 
“ Sir, I know him well, he is a passing good man of his 
body as few been living, and a passing proud man, and, 
sir, doubt ye not he will make war on you with a mighty 
puissance.” 

“ Well,” said King Arthur to the knight, “ I shall ordain 
for him, and that shall he find.” 


CHAPTER VIIL 

Of a Damsel which came girt with a Sword, for to find a Mah 
of such Virtue to draw it out of the Scabbard. 

S O it befell upon a time when King Arthur was at Lon- 
don, there came a knight that brought the king 
tidings how that King Ryence of North Wales had reared 
a great number of people, and were entered into the land, 
and burnt and slew the king’s true liege people. 

“If that be true,” said King Arthur, “it were great 
shame unto mine estate but that he were mightily with- 
standen.” 

“ It is troth,” said the knight, “ for I saw the host my- 
self.” 

Then King Arthur let make a cry, that all the lords, 
knights, and gentlemen of arms should draw unto a castle 
that was called in those days Camelot, and there the king 
would let make a counsel general, and a great joust. So 
when the king was come thither with all his baronage, 
and lodged as them seemed best, there came a damsel 


1 8 The Boy's King Arthur. 

which was sent on message from the great lady Lyle of 
Avalon. And when she came before King Arthur, she 
told him from whom she came, and how she was sent on 
message unto him for these causes, and she let her mantle 
fall that was richly furred, and then was she girded with a 
noble sword, whereof the king had great marvel and said : 
“Damsel, for what cause are ye gird with that sword? 
it beseemeth you not.” 

“ Now shall I tell you,” said the damsel ; “ this sword 
that I am gird withal doth me great sorrow and encum- 
brance, for I may not be delivered of this sword but by a 
good knight, and he must be a passing good man of his 
hands and of his deeds, and without villany or treachery ; 
if I may find such a knight that hath all these virtues, 
he may draw out this sword of the scabbard. For I have 
been at King Ryence’s for it was told me there were 
passing good knights, and he and all his knights have 
assayed it, and none can speed.” 

“This is a great marvel,” said Arthur; “if this be 
sooth \true\ I will myself assay to draw out the sword, 
not presuming upon myself that I am the best knight, but 
that I will begin to draw at your sword in giving example 
to all the barons, that they shall assay every one after 
other when I have assayed it.” 

Then Arthur took the sword by the sheath and by the 
girdle, and pulled at it eagerly, but the sword would not 
out. 

“Sir,” said the damsel, “ye need not to pull half so 
hard, for he that shall pull it out, shall do it with little 
might.” 

“Ye say well,” said Arthur: “now assay ye, all my 
barons, but beware ye be not defiled with shame, treachery, 
nor guile.” 


Of King Arthur . 


19 


“Then it will not avail,” said the damsel, “for he must 
be a clean knight without villany, and of a gentle stream 
of father’s side and mother’s side.” 

[And many] barons of the Round Table that were there 
at that time assayed all by row, but there might none 
speed ; wherefore the damsel made great sorrow out of 
measure, and said, “Alas ! I wend \wcened } thought\ in 
this court had been the best knights, without treachery or 
treason.” 

“By my faith,” saith Arthur, “here are good knights 
as I deem any been in the world, but their grace is not to 
help you, wherefore I am displeased.” 


CHAPTER IX. 

How Balin, arrayed like a Poor Knight, pulled out the Sword, 

WHICH AFTERWARD WAS CAUSE OF HIS DEATH. 

T HEN fell it so that time there was a poor knight 
with King Arthur, that had been prisoner with him 
half a year and more, for slaying of a knight the which 
was cousin unto King Arthur. The name of this knight 
was called Balin, and by good means of the barons he was 
delivered out of prison, for he was a good man named 
of his body, and he was born in Northumberland. And 
so he went privily into the court, and saw this adventure, 
whereof his heart raised, and would assay it as other 
knights did, but, for because he was poor and poorly 
arrayed, he put him not far in press \the crowd]. But 
in his heart he was fully assured to do as well (if his 
grace happened him) as any knight that was there. And 
as that damsel took her leave of King Arthur and all 


20 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


the barons, this knight Balin called unto her and said, 
“ Damsel, I pray you of your courtesy to suffer me as well 
to assay as these lords ; though I be poorly clothed, in 
mine heart me seemeth I am fully assured as some of 
these other lords, and me seemeth in my heart to speed 
right well.” 

The damsel beheld the poor knight, and saw he was 
a likely man ; but because of his poor array she thought 
he should be of no worship without villany or treachery. 
And then she said to the knight Balin, “ Sir, it is no need 
to put me to any more pain or labor, for it beseemeth 
not you to speed there as other have failed.” 

“Ah, fair damsel,” said Balin, “worthiness and good 
taches [qualities^ and good deeds, are not all only in 
raiment, but manhood and worship is hid within man’s 
person, and many a worshipful knight is not known unto 
all people, and therefore worship and hardiness is not in 
raiment and clothing.” 

Said the damsel, “Ye say troth, therefore ye shall assay 
to do what ye may.” 

Then Balin took the sword by the girdle and scabbard, 
and drew it out easily, and when he looked upon the 
sword it pleased him much. Then had the king and all 
the barons great marvel that Balin had done that ad- 
venture, and many knights had great spite at Balin. 

“Truly,” said the damsel, “this is a passing good 
knight, and the best man that ever I found, and most of 
worship without treason, treachery, or villany, and many 
marvels shall he do. Now, gentle and courteous knight, 
give me the sword again.” 

“Nay,” said Balin, “for this sword will I keep, but it 
be taken from me by force.” 

“Well,” said the damsel, “ye are not wise to keep the 


Of King Arthur . 


21 


sword from me, for ye shall slay with the sword the best 
friend that ye have, and the man that ye most love in the 
world, and the sword shall be your destruction/’ 

“ I shall take the adventure,” said Balin, “ that God will 
ordain me, but the sword ye shall not have at this time, 
by the faith of my body.” 

“Ye shall repent it within short time,” said the damsel, 
“ for I would have the sword more for your avail than for 
mine, for I am passing heavy for your sake ; for ye will 
not believe that sword shall be your destruction, and that 
is great pity.” With that the damsel departed, making 
great sorrow. 

Anon after Balin sent for his horse and his armor, and 
so would depart from the court, and took his leave of 
King Arthur. “ Nay,” said the king, “ I suppose ye will 
not depart so lightly from this fellowship. I suppose that 
ye are displeased that I have showed you unkindness ; 
blame me the less, for I was misinformed against you, but 
I wend {thought] you had not been such a knight as ye 
are of worship and prowess, and if ye will abide in this 
court among my fellowship, I shall so advance you as ye 
shall be pleased.” , 

“God thank your highness,” said Balin, “for your 
bounty and highness may no man praise half to the 
value ; but at this time I must needs depart, beseeching 
you alway of your good grace.” 

“Truly,” said the king, “I am right wroth for your 
departing : I pray you, fair knight, that ye tarry not long, 
and ye shall be right welcome to me and to my barons, 
and I shall amend all amiss that I have done against 
you.” 

“God thank your lordship,” said Balin, and therewith 
made him ready to depart. Then the most part of the 


22 


The Boy's King Arthur. 

knights of the Round Table said that Balin did not this 
adventure all only by might, but by witchcraft. 


CHAPTER X. 

How the Lady of the Lake demanded the Knight’s Head that 

HAD WON THE SWORD, OR THE MAIDEN’S HEAD. 

T HE mean while that this knight was making him 
ready to depart, there came into the court a lady, 
which hight [was named\ the Lady of the Lake, and 
she came on horseback richly beseen, and saluted King 
Arthur, and there she asked him a gift that he had prom • 
ised her when she gave him the sword. 

“That is sooth” [true\ said King Arthur, “a gift I 
promised you ; but I have forgotten the name of the 
sword which ye gave me.” 

“The name of it,” said the lady, “is Excalibur, that is 
as much to say as cut-steel.” 

“Ye say well,” said King Arthur, “ask what ye will, 
and ye shall have it, if it lie in my power to give it.” 

“ Well,” said the Lady of the Lake, “ I ask the head of 
the knight that hath won the sword, or else the damsel’s 
head that brought it; and though I have both their 
heads I force [care\ not, for he slew my brother, a full 
good knight and a true, and that gentlewoman was causer 
of my father’s death.” 

“Truly,” said King Arthur, “I may not grant you 
neither of their heads with my worship, therefore ask 
what ye will else and I shall fulfil your desire.” 

“ I will ask none other thing of you,” said the lady 


Of King Arthur . 


n 


When Balin was ready to depart he saw the Lady of the 
Lake there, by whose means was slain his own mother, 
and he had sought her three years. And when it was 
told him that she demanded his head of King Arthur, he 
went straight to her and said, “ Evil be ye found, ye would 
have my head, and therefore ye shall lose yours.” And 
with his sword lightly he smote off her head before King 
Arthur. 

“Alas! for shame,” said Arthur, “why have you done 
so ? ye have shamed me and all my court, for this was a 
lady that I was beholden to, and hither she came under 
my safe conduct ; I shall never forgive you that tres- 
pass.” 

“ Sir,” said Balin, “ me forthinketh \grieveth\ of your 
displeasure, for this same lady was the untruest lady liv- 
ing, and by enchantment and sorcery she hath been thfc 
destroyer of many good knights, and she was causer 
that my mother was burnt through her falsehood and 
treachery.” 

“ What cause so ever ye had,” said Arthur, “ye should 
have forborne her in my presence ; therefore, think not 
the contrary, ye shall repent it, for such another despite 
had I never in my court : therefore withdraw you out of 
my court in all haste that ye may.” 

Then Balin took up the head of the lady, and bare it 
with him to his hostry {hostelry , inn], and there he met 
with his squire, that was sorry he had displeased King 
Arthur, and so they rode forth out of the town. 

“Now,” said Balin, “we must part ; take thou this head 
and bear it to my friends, and tell them how I have sped, 
and tell my friends in Northumberland that my most foe 
is dead. Also tell them how I am out of prison, and also 
what adventure befell me at the getting of this sword.” 


24 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


“ Alas,” said the squire, “ye are greatly to blame for to 
displease King Arthur.” 

“ As for that,” said Balin, “ I will hie me in all the haste 
that I may, to meet with King Ryence and destroy him, 
or else to die therefore ; and if it may hap me to win him, 
then will King Arthur be my good and gracious lord.” 

“ Where shall I meet with you ? ” said the squire. 

“In King Arthur’s court,” said Balin. 

So his squire and he departed at that time. Then 
King Arthur and all the court made great dole, and had 
shame of the death of the Lady of the Lake. Then the 
king buried her richly. 


CHAPTER XI. 


How Merlin told the Adventure of the Damsel. 

T that time there was in King Arthur’s court a 



T\ knight that was the king’s son of Ireland , 1 and his 
name was Lanceor, and he was a proud knight, and he 
counted himself one of the best knights of the court, 
and he had great spite at Balin for the achieving of the 
sword, that any should be accounted of more prowess 
than he was ; and he asked King Arthur if he would give 
him leave to ride after Balin and to revenge the despite 
that he hath done. “Do your best,” said King Arthur, 
“ for I am right wroth with Balin ; I would he were quite 
[quit, acquitted ] of the despite that he hath done to me 
and to my court.” 

Then this Lanceor went to his hostrie to make him 
ready. In the mean while came Merlin to King Arthur’s 

1 “ The king’s son of Ireland,” the king of Ireland's son. 


Of King Arthur. 


25 


court, and there it was told him of the adventure of 
the sword, and of the Lady of the Lake. 

“Now shall I say to you,” said Merlin, “this damsel 
that here standeth, that brought the sword unto your 
court, I shall tell you the cause of her coming, she is the 
falsest damsel that liveth.” 

“Say not so,” said they, “she hath a brother a passing 
good knight of prowess and a full true man, and this 
damsel loved another, and this good knight her brother 
met with the knight, and slew him by force of his hands.” 

When this damsel understood this, she went to the lady 
Lyle of Avalon, and besought her of help to be avenged 
on her brother. 


CHAPTER XII. 

How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, a Knight of Ireland, 
and how Balin slew him. 

S O the knight of Ireland armed him at all points, and 
dressed his shield on his shoulder and mounted upon 
horseback, and took his spear in his hand, and rode after 
as fast as his horse could run, and within a little space on 
a mountain he had a sight of Balin, and with a loud voice 
he cried to him and said : “ Abide, knight, for ye shall 
abide whether ye will or will not, and the shield that is 
tofore you shall not help you.” 

When Balin heard that noise, he turned his horse 
fiercely, and said, “ Fair knight, what will you with me, 
will ye joust with me ? ” 

“Yea,” said the Irish knight, “therefore am I come 
after you.” 


26 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


“ Perad venture,” said Balin, “it had been better to have 
holden you at home, for many a man weeneth [thinketh] 
to put his enemy to a rebuke, and often it falleth to him- 
self. Of what court be ye sent fro [from] ? ” 

“ I am come fro the court of King Arthur,” said the 
knight of Ireland, “ that come hither for to revenge the 
despite ye did this day to King Arthur and to his court.” 

“ Well,” said Balin, “ I see well I must have ado with 
you, that me forthinketh [grieveth] for to grieve King 
Arthur, or any of his court ; and your quarrel is full 
simple,” said Balin, “ for the lady that is dead did great 
damage, and else I would have been as loth as any knight 
that liveth for to slay a lady.” 

“ Make you ready,” said the knight Lanceor, “ and 
dress you to me, for one of us shall abide in the field.” 

Then they took their spears in aQ the haste they might, 
and came together as fast as their horses might drive, and 
the king’s son of Ireland smote Balin upon his shield, 
that his spear went all to shivers. And Balin smote him 
with such a might that it went through his shield, and 
perished [pierced] the hauberk, and so pierced through 
his body and the horse’s croupe [crupper], and Balin anon 
turned his horse fiercely, and drew out his sword, and 
wist not that he had slain him, and then he saw him lie 
as a dead corpse. 


Of King Arthur. 


2J 


CHAPTER XIII. 


How a Damsel which was in Love with Lanceor, slew herself 
for his Love, and how Balin met with his Brother Balan. 



HEN he looked by him and was ware of a damsel 


J- that came riding as fast as her horse might gallop, 
upon a fair palfrey ; and when she espied that Sir Lanceor 
was slain, then she made sorrow out of measure, and said, 
“ O Balin, two bodies hast thou slain, and one heart, and 
two hearts in one body, and two souls thou hast lost.” 

And therewith she took the sword from her love that lay 
dead, and as she took it she fell to the ground in a swoon, 
and when she arose she made great dole out of measure, 
which sorrow grieved Balin passing sore, and went to her 
for to have taken the sword out of her hands, but she 
held it so fast, that in no wise he might take the sword 
out of her hands, but if he should have hurt her ; and sud- 
denly she set the pommel of the sword to the ground and 
run herself through the body. And when Balin saw her 
dead, he was passing heavy in his heart, and ashamed that 
so fair a damsel had destroyed herself for the love of him. 

“Alas,” said Balin, “me repenteth sore the death of 
this knight for the love of this damsel, for there was much 
true love betwixt them both.” 

And for sorrow he might no longer hold him, but turned 
his horse and looked towards a great forest, and there he 
was ware, by the arms, of his brother Balan. And when 
they were met they put off their helms and kissed to- 
gether, and wept for joy and pity. Then Balan said, “I 
little wend to have met with you at this sudden ad- 
venture ; I am right glad of your deliverance out of your 


28 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


dolorous prisonment, for a man told me in the Castle of 
Four Stones that ye were delivered, and that man had 
seen you in the court of King Arthur, and therefore I 
came hither into this country, for here I supposed to find 
you.” 

Anon the knight Balin told his brother of his adventure 
of the sword, and of the death of the Lady of the Lake, 
and how King Arthur was displeased with him : “ Where- 
fore he sent this knight after me that lieth here dead ; 
and the death of this damsel grieveth me sore.” 

“So doth it me,” said Balan, “but ye must take the 
adventure that God will ordain you.” 

“Truly,” said Balin, “I am right heavy that my lord 
Arthur is displeased with me, for he is the most worship- 
ful knight that reigneth now on earth, and his love I will 
get or else I will put my life in adventure ; for the King 
Ryence lieth at a siege at the castle Terrabil, and thither 
will we draw in all haste, to prove our worship and prowess 
upon him.” 

“ I will well,” said Balan, “ that we do, and we will help 
each other as brethren ought to do.” 


CHAPTER XIV. 

How a Dwarf reproved Balin for the Death of Lanceor, and 
how King Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a Tomb 
over them. 

B ROTHER,” said Balin, “let us go hence, and well be 
we met.” 

The mean while as they talked, there came a dwarf 
from the :ity of Camelot on horseback as fast as he might, 


Of King Arthur . 


29 


and found the dead bodies, wherefore he made great dole, 
and drew his hair for sorrow, and said, “ Which of you 
knights hath done this deed?” 

“ Whereby askest thou it ? ” said Balin. 

“ For I would wit ” [know], said the dwarf. 

“It was I,” said Balin, “that slew this knight in my 
defence, for hither came he to chase me, and either I 
must slay him or he me, and this damsel slew herself for 
his love, which me sore repenteth, and for her sake I 
shall owe all women the better love and favor.’' 

“Alas,” said the dwarf, “thou hast done great damage 
unto thyself, for this knight that is here dead was one of 
the most valiantest men that lived, and trust thou well, 
Balin, that the kin of this knight will chase thee through 
the world till they have slain thee.” 

“ As for that,” said Balin, “ I fear it not greatly ; but I 
am right heavy because I have displeased my sovereign 
lord King Arthur, for the death of this knight.” 

So, as they talked together, there came a king of Corn 
wall riding by them, which was named King Mark, and 
when he saw these two bodies dead and understood how 
they were dead by one of the two knights above said, 
then made King Mark great sorrow for the true love that 
was between them, and said : “ I will not depart from 
hence till I have on this earth made a tomb.” 

And there he pight [ pitched ] his pavilions, and sought 
through all the country to find a tomb, and in a church 
they found one [that] was fair and rich, and there the 
king let put them both in the earth, and put the tomb 
upon them, and wrote the names of them both on the 
tomb : how here lieth Lanceor the king’s son of Ireland 
that at his own request was slain by the hands of Balin, 
and how his lady Colombe slew herself with her love’s 
sword for dole and sorrow. 


3 ° 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER XV. 


How Merlin prophesied that Balin should strike the Dolorous 
Stroke. 


HEN] said Merlin [to Balin] “ because of the death 



JL of that lady, thou shalt strike a stroke the most 
dolorous that ever man stroke, except the stroke of our 
Lord ; for thou shalt hurt the truest knight and the man 
of the most worship that now liveth, and through that 
ctroke three kingdoms shall be in great poverty, misery, 
and wretchedness twelve years, and the knight shall not 
be whole of that wound in many years.” And then 
Merlin took his leave of Balin. 

Then said Balin, “ If I wist [knew] that it were sooth 
[true] that ye say, I should do such a perilous deed as 
that I would slay myself to make thee a liar.” 

And therewith anon Merlin suddenly vanished away. 
Then Balin and his brother took their leave of King 
Mark. 

“ First,” said the king, “ tell me your name.” 

“Sir,” said Balan, “ye may see he beareth two swords, 
thereby ye may call him the knight with the two swords.” 

And so departed King Mark, and rode to Camelot to 
King Arthur, and Balin and his brother took the way to 
King Ryence, and as they rode together they met with 
Merlin disguised, but they knew him not. 

“ Whither ride ye ? ” said Merlin. 

“We have little to do,” said the two knights, “for to 
tell thee ; but what is thy name ? ” said Balin. 

“As at this time,” said Merlin, “I wi'l not tell thee.” 

“It is full evil seen,” said the two knights, “that thou 
a/t a true man, when thou wilt not tell thy name.” 


Of King Arthur. 


3 * 


“ As for that,” said Merlin, “be it as it may, but I can 
tell you wherefore ye ride this way, for to meet King 
Ryence, but it will not avail you without you have my 
counsel.” 

“Ah!” said Balin, “ye are Merlin. We will be ruled 
by your counsel.” 

“Come on,” said Merlin, “ye shall have great worship, 
and look that ye do knightly, for ye shall have great 
need.” 

“ As for that,” said Balin, “ dread ye not, we will do 
what we may.” 


CHAPTER XVI. 

How Balin and his Brother by the Counsel of Merlin took 
King Ryence, and brought him to King Arthur. 

T HEN Merlin lodged them in a wood among leaves 
beside the highway, and took off the bridles of their 
horses and put them to grass, and laid them down to rest 
them till it was nigh midnight. Then Merlin bade them 
rise and make them ready, for the king was nigh them, 
that was stolen away from his host with a threescore horses 
of his best knights, and twenty of them rode tofore, to 
warn the lady that the king was coming. 

“ Which is the king ? ” said Balin. 

“ Abide,” said Merlin, “ here in a straight way ye shall 
meet with him ; ” and therewith he showed Balin and his 
brother where he rode. Anon Balin and his brother met 
%>ith the king, and smote him down, and wounded him 
fiercely, and laid him to the ground, and there they slew 
on the right hand and the left hand, and slew more than 
forty of his men ; and the remnant fled. Then went they 


32 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


again to King Ryence, and would have slain him had he 
not yielded him unto their grace. 

Then said he thus : “ Knights full of prowess, slay me 
not, for by my life ye may win, and by my death ye shall 
win nothing.” 

Then said these two knights, “ Ye say sooth and truth ; ” 
and so laid him on an horse-litter. With that Merlin was 
vanished, and came to King Arthur aforehand, and told 
him how his most enemy was taken and discomfited. 

“ By whom ? ” said King Arthur. 

“By two knights,” said Merlin, “that would please 
your lordship, and to-morrow ye shall know what knights 
they are.” 

Anon after came the knight with the two swords, and 
Balan his brother, and brought with them King Ryence 
of North Wales, and there delivered him to the porters, 
and charged them with him ; and so they two returned 
again in the springing of the day. 

King Arthur came then to King Ryence and said, 
“ Sir king, ye are welcome : by what adventure come ye 
hither?” 

“Sir,” said King Ryence, “I came hither by an hard 
adventure.” 

“ Who won you ? ” said King Arthur. 

“ Sir,” said the king, “ the knight with the two swords 
and his brother, which are two marvellous knights of 
prowess. 

“ I know them not,” said Arthur, “ but much I am be- 
holden to them.” 

“Ah,” said Merlin, “I shall tell you, it is Balin that 
achieved the sword, and his brother Balan, a good knight, 
there liveth not a better of prowess and of worthiness; 
and it shall be the greatest dole of him that ever I knew 
of knight, for he shall not long endure.” 


Of King Arthur . 


33 


“Alas,” said King Arthur, “that is great pity, for I am 
much beholden unto him, and I have ill deserved it unto 
him for his kindness.” 

“Nay,” said Merlin, “he shall do much more for you, 
and that shall ye know in haste. But, Sir, are ye pur- 
veyed?” said Merlin; “for to-morn the host of Nero, 
King Ryence’s brother, will set on you or \ere, before ] 
noon with a great host, and therefore make you ready, for 
I will depart from you.” 


CHAPTER XVII. 


How King Arthur had a Battle against Nero and King Lot 


and how Twelve Kings were slain. 



TIEN came Nero to Castle Terrabil with a mighty 


JL host, for he had ten battles, \battalions , or divisions ] 
with much more people than King Arthur had. So Nerc 
himself had the vaward [va-ward, van-guard\ with the 
most part of his people ; and Merlin came to King Lot, 
of the Isle of the Orkney, and held him with a tale 
of prophecy till Nero and his people were destroyed. 
And there Sir Kay the seneschal did passing well, that 
all the days of his life he had thereof worship. And Sii 
Hervis de Revel did marvellous deeds with King Arthur. 
And King Arthur slew that day twenty knights, and 
maimed forty. At that time came in the knight with the 
two swords, and his brother Balan ; * but they two did so 
marvellously that the king and all the knights had great 
marvel thereof, and all that beheld them said that they 
were sent from heaven as angels, or as devils from hell ; 
and King Arthur said himself that they were the best 


34 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


knights that ever he saw, for they gave such strokes that 
all men had wonder of them. In the mean while came 
one to King Lot, and told him that while he tarried there 
Nero was destroyed and slain with all his people. 

“ Alas ! I am shamed,” said King Lot, “for through my 
default is slain many a worshipful man ; for if we had 
been together there had been no host under heaven that 
had been able to match us. This [deceiver] with his 
prophecy hath mocked me.” 

All that did Merlin, for he knew well that if King Lot 
had been there with his body at the first battle, King 
Arthur and all his people should have been destroyed 
and slain. And Merlin knew well that one of the kings 
should be dead that day, and loth was Merlin that any of 
them both should be slain ; but of the twain he had liever 
King Lot had been slain than King Arthur. 

“Now, what is best to do,” said King Lot, “whether is 
it better for to treat with King Arthur, or to fight, for 
the most part of our people are slain and destroyed ? ” 

“Sir,” said a knight, “set upon King Arthur, for he 
and his men are weary of fighting, and we be fresh.” 

“ As for me,” said King Lot, “ I would that every 
knight would do his part as I will do mine.” 

And then they advanced their banners and smote to- 
gether, and all to-shivered [ shivered all to pieces\ their 
spears ; and King Arthur’s knights, with the help of the 
knight with the two swords and his brother Balan, put 
King Lot and his host to the worst ; but alway King 
Lot held him in the foremost, and did great deeds of arms, 
for all his host was borne up by his hands, for he abode 
and withstood all knights. Alas ! he might not ever 
endure, the which was great pity that so worthy a knight 
as he was should be over-matched, and that of late time 


Of King Arthur . 


35 


afore had been a knight of King Arthur’s, and had 
wedded King Arthur’s sister. So there was a knight 
that was called the knight with the strange beast, and at 
that time his right name was Pellinore, which was a good 
man of prowess, and he smote a mighty stroke at King 
Lot as he fought with his enemies, and he failed of his 
stroke, and smote the horse’s neck that he fell to the 
ground with King Lot, and therewith anon Sir Pellinore 
smote him a great stroke through the helm, and hewed 
him to the brows. And then all the host of Orkney fled 
for the death of King Lot, and there was slain many a 
mother’s son. But King Pellinore bare the wit [blame] 
of the death of King Lot ; wherefore Sir Gawaine re- 
venged the death of his father the tenth year after he was 
made knight, and slew King Pellinore with his own hands. 
Also there was slain at the battle twelve kings on King 
Lot’s side with Nero, and all were buried in the church 
of Saint Stevens, in Camelot ; and the remnant of knights 
and of other were buried in a great rock. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

Or the Interment of Twelve Kings, and of the Prophecy or 
Merlin, and how Balin should give the Dolorous Stroke. 

S O at the entertainment [: interment , that is, burial] 
came King Lot’s wife Morgause, with her four sons 
Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Gareth. Also there 
came thither King Urience, Sir Ewaine’s father, and 
Morgan le Fay his wife, that was King Arthur’s sister. 
All these came to the interment. But of all these 
twelve kings King Arthur let make the tomb of King 


36 


The Boy's King Arthur 


Lot passing richly, and made his tomb by his own ; and 
then King Arthur let make twelve images of laton [brass] 
and copper, and over-gilt it with gold, in the sign of 
twelve kings, and each one of them held a taper of wax 
that burnt day and night : and King Arthur was made in 
sign of a figure standing above them with a sword drawn 
in his hand : and all the twelve figures had countenance 
like unto men that were overcome. All this made Merlin 
by his subtle craft ; and there he told the king, “ When I 
am dead these tapers shall burn no longer; and soon 
after the adventures of the Sangreal 1 shall come among 
you and be achieved.” 

Also he told Arthur how Balin the worshipful knight 
shall give the Dolorous Stroke, whereof shall fall great 
vengeance. 

“O where is Balin, and Balan, and Pellinore?” said 
King Arthur. 

“ As for Pellinore,” said Merlin, “ he will meet with you 
soon : and as for Balin, he will not be long from you : but 
the other brother will depart ; ye shall see him no more.” 

“ By my faith,” said Arthur, “ they are two marvellous 
knights, and namely Balin passeth of prowess of any 
knight that ever I found, for much beholden am I unto 
him ; would that he would abide with me.” 

“ Sir,” said Merlin, “ look ye keep well the scabbard of 
Excalibur, for ye shall lose no blood while ye have the 
scabbard upon you, though ye have as many wounds upon 
you as ye may have.” 

So after, for great trust Arthur betook the scabbard to 
Morgan le Fay his sister, and she loved another knight 

1 “ Sangreal,” the Saint Grail , or Holy Cup, said to have held the blood 
of Jesus and to have been brought away from the Cross by Joseph of 
Arimathea. 


Of King Arthur. 


37 


better than her husband King Urience or King Arthur, 
and she would have had Arthur her brother slain, and 
therefore she let make another scabbard like it by en- 
chantment, and gave the scabbard of Excalibur to her 
love. And the knight’s name was called Accolon, that 
after had near slain King Arthur. After this Merlin told 
unto King Arthur of the prophecy that there should be a 
great battle beside Salisbury, and that Mordred his sister’s 
son should be against him. 


CHAPTER XIX. 

How a Sorrowful Knight came before King Arthur, and ho 1 ** 
Balin fetched him, and how that Knight was slain by a 
Knight Invisible. 

W ITHIN a day or two King Arthur was somewhat 
sick, and he let pitch his pavilion in a meadow, 
and there he laid him down on a pallet to sleep, but he 
might have no rest. Right so he heard a great noise of 
an horse, and therewith the king looked out at the porch 
of the pavilion, and saw a knight coming even by him 
making great dole. 

“ Abide, fair sir,” said Arthur, “ and tell me wherefore 
thou makest this sorrow ? ” 

“Ye may little amend me,” said the knight, and so 
passed forth to the castle of Meliot. 

Anon after there came Balin, and when he saw King 
Arthur he alight off his horse, and came to the king on 
foot, and saluted him. 

“By my head,” said Arthur, “ye be welcome. Si 
right now came riding this way a knight making great 


3 « 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


moan, for what cause I cannot tell, wherefore I would 
desire of you of your courtesy and of your gentleness to 
fetch again that knight either by force or else by his 
good-will.” 

“ I will do more for your lordship than that,” said Balin : 
and so he rode more than a pace, and found the knight 
with a damsel in a forest, and said, “ Sir knight, ye must 
come with me unto King Arthur, for to tell him of your 
sorrow.” 

“ That will I not,” said the knight, “ for it will scathe 
me greatly, and do you none avail.” 

“Sir,” said Balin, “I pray you make you ready, for ye 
must go with me, or else I must fight with you and bring 
you by force, and that were me loth to do.” 

“Will ye be my warrant,” said the knight, “and I go 
with you ? ” 

“Yea,” said Balin, “or else I will die therefore.” 

And so he made him ready to go with Balin, and left 
the damsel still. And as they were afore King Arthur's 
pavilion there came one invisible, and smote this knight 
that went with Balin throughout the body with a spear. 

“Alas ! ” said the knight, “ I am slain under your con- 
duct and guard with a traitorous knight called Garlon ; 
therefore take my horse the which is better than yours, 
and ride to the damsel, and follow the quest that I was in 
where as she will lead you, and revenge my death when 
ye may best.” 

“ That shall I do,” said Balin, “ and thereof I make a 
vow to you, by my knighthood.” 

And so he departed from this knight, making great 
sorrow. So King Arthur let bury this knight richly, and 
made a *nention upon the tomb, how there was slain Her- 
leus le Berbeus, and also how the treachery was done by 


Of King Arthur . 


39 


the knight Garlon. But ever the damsel bare the trun- 
cheon of the spear with her, that Sir Herleus was slain 
withal. 


CHAPTER XX. 


How the Damsel bled for the Custom of a Castle. 

ND anon after this, Balin and the damsei rode till 



K\. they came to a castle, and there Balin alighted, and 
he and the damsel wend to have gone into the castle. 
And anon as Balin came within the castle gate, the port- 
cullis fell down at his back, and there came many men 
about the damsel, and would have slain her. And when 
Balin saw that, he was sore grieved, because he might not 
help the damsel. And then he went upon the walls and 
leapt over into the ditch and hurt him not, and anon he 
pulled out his sword and would have foughten with them. 
And then all said they would not fight with him, for they 
did nothing but the old custom of the castle, and told him 
how their lady was sick, and had lain many years, and 
she might not be whole but if she had a silver dish full 
of blood of a maid and a king’s daughter ; and therefore 
the custom of this castle is that there shall none pass 
this way but that she shall bleed of her blood a silver 
dish full. 

“Well,” said Balin, “she shall bleed as much as she 
may bleed, but I will not that she leese [lose] her life 
while my life lasteth.” 

And so Balin made her to bleed by her good will But 
her blood helped not the lady. 


40 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER XXI. 

How Balin met with the Knight named Garlon at a Feast, and 

THERE HE SLEW HIM TO HAVE HIS BLOOD TO HEAL THEREWITH THE 

Son of his Host. 

T HEN they rode three or four days, and never met 
with adventure ; and by hap they were lodged with 
a gentleman that was a rich man and well at ease. And 
as they sat at their supper, Balin heard one complain 
grievously by him in a chair. 

“ What is this noise ? ” said Balin. 

“ Forsooth,” said his host, “I will tell you. I was but 
late at a jousting, and there I jousted with a knight that 
is brother unto King Pellam, and twice smote I him down ; 
and then he promised to quit [/ )ay ] me on my best friend, 
and so he wounded my son, that cannot be whole till I 
have of that knight’s blood, a^d he rideth alway invisible, 
but I know not his name.” 

“Ah,” said Balin, “I know that knight, his name is 
Garlon, he hath slain two knights of mine in the same 
manner, therefore I had rather meet with that knight 
than all the gold in this realm, for the despite he hath 
done me.” 

“ Well,” said his host, “ I shall tell you, King Pellam of 
Listeneise hath made cry in all this country a great feast 
that shall be within these twenty days, and no knight may 
come there but if he bring his wife with him, or his love ; 
and that knight, your enemy and mine, ye shall see that 
day.” 

“Then I promise you,” said Balin, “part of his blood 
to heal your son withal.” 


Of King Arthur . 


4i 


“We will be forward to-morrow,” said his host. 

So on the morn they rode all three toward Pellam, and 
they had fifteen days’ journey or [ere] they came thither ; 
and that same day began the great feast. And so they 
alight and stabled their horses, and went into the castle ; 
but Balin’s host might not be let in because he had no 
lady. Then Balin was well received, and brought unto a 
chamber and unarmed him, and they brought him robes 
to his pleasure, and would have had Balin leave his sword 
behind him. 

“Nay,” said Balin, “that do I not, for it is the custom 
of my country a knight alway to keep his weapon with 
him, and that custom will I keep, or else I will depart as 
I came.” 

Then they gave him leave to wear his sword, and so 
he went unto the castle, and was set among knights of 
worship, and his lady afore him. Soon Balin asked a 
knight, “ Is there not a knight in this court whose name 
is Garlon ? ” 

“Yonder he goeth,” said a knight, “he with the black 
face ; he is the marvellest knight that is now living, for 
he destroyeth many good knights, for he goeth invisible.” 

“ Ah well,” said Balin, “ is that he ? ” 

Then Balin advised him long : — “If I slay him here 
I shall not escape, and if I leave him now peradventure I 
shall never meet with him again at such a good [time], 
and much harm he will do and [if] he live.” 

Therewith this Garlon espied that this Balin beheld 
him, and then he came and smote Balin on the face with 
the back of his hand, and said, “ Knight, why beholdest 
thou me so ? for shame, therefore, eat thy meat, and do 
that thou came for.” 

“Thou sayest sooth,” said Balin, “this is not the first 


42 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


despite that thou hast done me, and therefore I will do 
that I came for ; ” and rose up fiercely, and clave his head 
to the shoulders. 

“ Give me the truncheon,” said Balin to his lady, 
“ wherewith he slew your knight.” 

Anon she gave it him, for alway she bare the truncheon 
with her; and therewith Balin smote him through the 
body, and said openly, “ With that truncheon thou hast 
slain a good knight, and now it sticketh in thy body.” 

And then Balin called to him his host, saying, “Now 
may ye fetch blood enough to heal your son withal.” 


CHAPTER XXII. 


How Balin fought with King Pellam, and how his Sword brake, 

AND HOW HE GAT A SPEAR WHEREWITH HE SMOTE THE DOLOROUS 

Stroke. 


NON all the knights arose from the table for to 



set on Balin. And King Pellam himself arose up 
fiercely, and said, “ Knight, hast thou slain my brother ? 
thou shalt die therefore or thou depart.” 

‘Well,” said Balin, “do it yourself.” 

‘Yes,” said King Pellam, “there shall no man have 
ado with thee but myself, for the love of my brother.” 

Then King Pellam caught in his hand a grim weapon 
and smote eagerly at Balin, but Balin put the sword 
betwixt his head and the stroke, and therewith his sword 
burst in sunder. And when Balin was weaponless he ran 
into a chamber for to seek some weapon, and so from 
chamber to chamber, and no weapon could he find, and 
alway King Pellam followed him ; and at the last he 



How Balin smote the Dolorous Stroke 







Of King Arthur. 


43 


entered into a chamber that was marvellously well dight 
\furnisked] and richly, and a bed arrayed with cloth of 
gold, the richest that might be thought, and one lying 
therein ; and thereby stood a table of clean gold, with 
four pillars of silver that bare up the table, and upon the 
table stood a marvellous spear strangely wrought. And 
when Balin saw the spear, he gat it in his hand, and 
turned him to King Pellam, and smote him passingly sore 
with that spear, that King Pellam fell down in a swoon, 
and therewith the castle rove [ was riven\ and walls brake 
and fell to the earth, and Balin fell down so that he might 
not stir hand nor foot. And so the most part of the castle 
that was fallen down through that Dolorous Stroke lay 
upon King Pellam and Balin three days. 

Then Merlin came thither, and took up Balin, and gat 
him a good horse, for his horse was dead, and bade him 
ride out of that country. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

How Balin met with his Brother Balan, and how each of them 

SLEW OTHER UNKNOWN, TILL THEY WERE WOUNDED TO DEATH. 

T HEN afore him he saw come riding out of a castle a 
knight, and his horse trapped all red, and himself in 
the same color. When this knight in the red beheld 
Balin, him thought it should be his brother Balin because 
of his two swords, but because he knew not his shield, he 
deemed it was not he. And so they aventred \adventured\ 
their spears, and came marvellously fast together, and they 
smote each other in the shields, but their spears and their 
course was so big that it bare down horse and man, that 


44 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


they lay both in a swoon. But Balin was bruised sore 
with the fall of his horse, for he was weary of travel. 
And Balan was the first that rose on foot and drew his 
sword, and went toward Balin, and he arose and went 
against him, but Balan smote Balin first, and he put up 
his shield, and smote him through the shield and cleft his 
helm. Then Balin smote him again with that unhappy 
sword, and well nigh had felled his brother Balan, and so 
they fought there together till their breaths failed. Then 
Balin looked up to the castle, and saw the towers stand 
full of ladies. So they went to battle again, and wounded 
each other dolefully, and then they breathed oft-times, and 
so went unto battle, that all the place there as they fought 
was blood red. And at that time there was none of them 
both but they had either smitten other seven great wounds, 
so that the least of them might have been the death of the 
mightiest giant in this world. Then they went to battle 
again so marvellously that doubt it was to hear of that 
battle for the great bloodshedding, and their hauberks 
unnailed, that naked they were on every side. At the last 
Balan, the younger brother, withdrew him a little and laid 
him down. Then said Balin le Savage, “What knight 
art thou ? for or [ere] now I found never no knight that 
matched me.” 

“My name is,” said he, “Balan, brother to the good 
knight Balin.” 

“Alas ! ” said Balin, “that ever I should see this day.” 

And therewith he fell backward in a swoon. Then 
Balan went on all four feet and hands, and put off the 
helm of his brother, and might not know him by the vis- 
age it was so full hewn and bled ; but when he awoke he 
said, “O Balan, my brother, thou hast slain me and I 
thee, wherefore all the wide world shall speak of us both.” 


Of King Arthur. 


45 


“ Alas ! ” said Balan, “ that ever I saw this day, that 
through mishap I might not know you, for I espied well 
your two swords, but because ye had another shield I 
deemed you had been another knight.” 

“ Alas ! ” said Balin, “ all that made an unhappy knight 
in the castle, for he caused me to leave mine own shield 
to our both’s destruction, and if I might live I would 
destroy that castle for ill customs.” 

“ That were well done,” said Balan, “ for I had never 
grace to depart from them since that I came hither, for 
here it happed me to slay a knight that kept this island, 
and since might I never depart, and no more should ye 
brother, and ye might have slain me as ye have, and 
escaped yourself with the life.” 

Right so came the lady of the tower with four knights 
and six ladies and six yeomen unto them, and there she 
heard how they made their moan either to other, and 
said, “We came both of one [mother], and so shall we 
lie both in one pit.” 

So Balan prayed the lady of her gentleness, for his true 
service that she would bury them both in that same place 
there the battle was done. And she granted them with 
weeping it should be done richly in the best manner. 

“ Now will ye send for a priest, that we may receive our 
sacrament and receive the blessed body of our Lord Jesus 
Christ.” 

“Yea,” said the lady, “it shall be done.” 

And so she sent for a priest and gave them their rites. 

“Now,” said Balin, “when we are buried in one tomb, 
and the mention made over us how two brethren slew 
each other, there will never good knight nor good man see 
our tomb but they will pray for our souls.” 

And so all the ladies and gentlewomen wept for pity. 


46 


The Boy's King Arihur. 


Then, anon Balan died, but Balin died not till the mid- 
night after, and so were they buried both, and the lady let 
make a mention of Balan how he was there slain by his 
brother’s hands, but she knew not Balin’s name. 

In the morn came Merlin and let write Balin’s name 
upon the tomb, with letters of gold, That here lieth Balin 
le Savage, that was the knight with the two swords, and 
be that smote the Dolorous Stroke. 

Soon after this was done Merlin came to King Arthur 
and told him of the Dolorous Stroke that Balin gave to 
King Pellam, and how Balin and Balan fought together 
the most marvellous battle that ever was heard of, and 
how they were buried both in one tomb. 

“ Alas ! ” said King Arthur, “ this is the greatest pity 
that ever I heard tell of two knights, for in the world I 
know not such two knights.” 

Thus endeth the tale of Balin and Balan, two brethren 
born in Northumberland, good knights. 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

How King Arthur took and wedded Guenever unto his Wife. 

I T befell on a time that King Arthur said to Merlin: 

“ My barons will let me have no rest, but needs they 
will have that I take a wife, and I will none take but by 
thy counsel and by thine advice.” 

“It is well done,” said Merlin, “that ye take a wife, 
for a man of your bounty and nobleness should not be 
without a wife. Now is there any fair lady that ye love 
better than another ? ” 

“Yea,” said King Arthur, “I love Guenever, the king’s 


Of King Arthur . 


47 


daughter Leodegrance 1 of the land of Cameliard, which 
Leodegrance holdeth in his house the Table Round that 
ye told he had of my father Uther. And this damsel is 
the most gentlest and fairest lady that I know living, or 
yet that ever I could find.” 

And Merlin went forth to King Leodegrance of Camel- 
iard, and told him of the desire of the king, that he would 
have to his wife Guenever his daughter. 

“That is to me,” said King Leodegrance, “the best 
tidings that ever I heard, that so worthy a king of prowess 
and of nobleness will wed my daughter. And as for my 
lands I will give him, wished I that it might please him, 
but he hath lands enough, he needeth none ; but I shall 
send him a gift that shall please him much more, for I 
shall give him the Table Round, the which Utherpen- 
dragon gave me ; and when it is full complete, there is 
an hundred knights and fifty, and as for an hundred good 
knights I have myself, but I lack fifty, for so many have 
been slain in my days.” 

And so King Leodegrance delivered his daughter 
Guenever unto Merlin, and the Table Round with the 
hundred knights ; and so they rode freshly with great 
royalty, what by water and what by land, till they came 
that night unto London. 


• “ The king’s daughter Leodegrance,” King Leodegrance' s daughUr . 


48 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER XXV. 


How the Knights of the Round Table were ordained, and how 
their Sieges [seats] were blessed by the Archbishop of Canter* 
bury. 


HEN King Arthur heard of the coming of Guenever 



VV and the hundred knights with the Table Round, 
he made great joy for their coming, and said openly, 
“ This fair lady is passing welcome to me, for I loved her 
long, and therefore there is nothing so pleasing to me. 
And these knights with the Round Table please me more 
than right great riches.” 

Then in all haste the king did ordain for the marriage 
and the coronation in the most honorablest wise that 
could be devised. 

“Now Merlin,” said King Arthur, “go thou and espy 
me in all this land fifty knights which be of most prowess 
and worship.” 

Within short time Merlin had found such knights that 
should fulfil twenty and eight knights, but no more he 
could find. Then the bishop of Canterbury was fetched, 
and he blessed the sieges [seats'] with great royalty and 
devotion, and there set the eight and twenty knights in 
their sieges. 

And when this was done Merlin said, “Fair sirs, ye 
must all arise and come to King Arthur for to do him 
homage ; he will have the better will to maintain you.” 

And so they arose and did their homage. And when 
they were gone Merlin found in every siege letters of 
gold that told the knights’ names that had sitten therein. 
But two sieges were void. 


Of King Arthur. 


49 


“ What is the cause,” said King Arthur, “ that there be 
two places void in the sieges ? ” 

‘‘Sir,” said Merlin, “there shall no man sit in those 
places but they that shall be of most worship. But in the 
Siege Perilous there shall no man sit therein but one, and 
if there be any so hardy to do it he shall be destroyed, 
and he that shall sit there shall have no fellow.” 

And therewith Merlin took King Pellinore by the hand, 
and, in the one hand next the two sieges and the Siege 
Perilous, he said in open audience, “This is your place, 
and best ye be worthy to sit therein of any that is here.” 


BOOK II. 


OF SIR LAUNCELOT DU LAKE. 


CHAPTER I. 


How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the Court 

FOR TO SEEK ADVENTURES, AND HOW SlR LIONEL LEFT SlR LAUNCE- 
LOT SLEEPING, AND WAS TAKEN. 


NON after that the noble and worthy King Arthur 



A was come from Rome into England, all the knights 
of the Round Table resorted unto the king, and made 
many jousts and tournaments, and some there were that 
were good knights, which increased so in arms and wor- 
ship that they passed all their fellows in prowess and 
noble deeds, and that was well proved on many, but 
especially it was proved on Sir Launcelot du Lake. For 
in all tournaments and jousts and deeds of arms, both for 
life and death, he passed all knights, and at no time he 
was never overcome, but it were by treason or enchant- 
ment. Wherefore Queen Guenever had him in great 
favor above all other knights, and certainly he loved the 
queen again above all other ladies and damsels all the 
days of his life, and for her he did many great deeds of 
arms, and saved her from the fire through his noble 
chivalry. Thus Sir Launcelot rested him a long while 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 




with play and game ; and then he thought to prove him 
self in strange adventures. Then he bade his brother Sir 
Lionel to make him ready, “ for we two will seek adven- 
tures.” 

So they mounted upon their horses armed at all points, 
and rode into a deep forest ; and after they came into a 
great plain, and then the weather was hot about noon, 
and Sir Launcelot had great list [desire] to sleep. 

Then Sir Lionel espied a great apple tree that stood by 
an hedge, and said : “ Brother, yonder is a fair shadow, 
there may we rest us and our horses.” 

“It is well said, fair brother,” said Sir Launcelot; “for 
of all this seven year I was not so sleepy as I am now.” 

And so they there alighted and tied their horses under 
sundry trees, and so Sir Launcelot laid him down under 
an apple tree, and his helm he laid under his head. And 
Sir Lionel waked while he slept. So Sir Launcelot was 
asleep passing fast. And in the mean while there came 
three knights riding, as fast fleeing as ever they might 
ride. And there followed them three but one knight. 
And when Sir Lionel saw him, him thought he saw never 
so great a knight nor so well faring a man, neither so 
well apparelled unto all rights. So within a while this 
strong knight had overtaken one of these knights, and 
there he smote him to the cold earth that he lay still. 
And then he rode unto the second knight, and smote him 
so that man and horse fell down. And then straight to 
the third knight he rode, and he smote him behind his 
horse’s tail a spear’s length. And then he alighted down, 
and reined his horse on the bridle, and bound all the 
three knights fast with the reins of their own bridles. 
When Sir Lionel saw him do thus, he thought to assay 
him, and made him ready, and stilly and orivily he took his 


52 


The Boy 1 s King Arthur . 


horse, and thought not for to awake Sir Launcelot. And 
when he was mounted upon his horse he overtook this 
strong knight and bade him turn: and the other smote 
Sir Lionel so hard that horse and man he bare to the 
earth, and so he alighted down and bound him fast, and 
threw him overthwart his own horse, and so he served 
them all four, and rode with them away to his own castle. 
And when he came there, he made unarm them, and beat 
them with thorns all naked, and after put them in a deep 
prison where there were many more knights that made 
great dolor. 

CHAPTER II. 

How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir Launcelot, and how hk 

WAS TAKEN BY SlR TURQUINE. 

HEN Sir Ector de Maris wist that Sir Launcelot 



VV was past out of the court to seek adventures he 
was wroth with himself, and made him ready to seek Sir 
Launcelot, and as he had ridden long in a great forest, he 
met with a man that was like a forester. “ Fair fellow,” 
said Sir Ector, “knowest thou in this country any ad- 
ventures that be here nigh hand ? ” 

“ Sir,” said the forester, “ this country know I well, and 
hereby within this mile is a strong manor, and well diked, 
and by that manor, on the left hand, there is a fair ford for 
horses to drink of, and over that ford there groweth a fair 
tree, and thereon hangeth many fair shields that wielded 
sometime good knights : and at the hole of the tree 
hangeth a basin of copper and laton [brass], and strike 
upon that basin with the butt of thy spear thrice, and 
soon after thou shalt hear new tidings, and else hast thou 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


53 


the fairest grace that many a year had ever knight that 
passed through this forest." 

“ Gramercy ” \i hanks], said Sir Ector, and departed and 
came to the tree, and saw many fair shields, and among 
them he saw his brother’s shield, Sir Lionel, and many 
more that he knew that were his fellows of the Round 
Table, the which grieved his heart, and he promised to 
revenge his brother. Then anon Sir Ector beat on the 
basin as he were wood [crazy], and then he gave his horse 
drink at the ford : and there came a knight behind him 
and bade him come out of the water and make him ready ; 
and Sir Ector anon turned him shortly, and in fewter cast 1 
his spear, and smote the other knight a great buffet that 
his horse turned twice about. 

“This was well done," said the strong knight, “and 
knightly thou hast stricken me : " and therewith he 
rushed his horse on Sir Ector and caught him under 
his right arm, and bare him clean out of the saddle, and 
rode with him away into his own hall, and threw him down 
in the midst of the floor. The name of this knight was 
Sir Turquine. Then he said unto Sir Ector, “For thou 
hast done this day more unto me than any knight did 
these twelve years, now will I grant thee thy life, so thou 
wilt be sworn to be my prisoner all thy life days." 

“Nay," said Sir Ector, “that will I never promise thee, 
but that I wiil do mine advantage." 

“That me repenteth," said Sir Turquine. 

And then he made to unarm him, and beat him with 
thorns all naked, and after put him down in a deep dun- 
geon, where he knew many of his fellows. But when Sii 
Ector saw Sir Lionel, then made he great sorrow. 


1 “ In fewter cast his spear,” in rest placed his spear. 


54 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“Alas, brother,” said Sir Ector, “where is my brother 
Sir Launcelot ? ” 

“ Fair brother, I left him on sleep when that I from him 
went, under an apple tree, and what is become of him I 
cannot tell you.” 

“Alas,” said the knights, “but Sir Launcelot help us 
we may never be delivered, for we know now no knight 
that is able to match our master Turquine.” 


CHAPTER III. 

How Four Queens found Sir Launcelot sleeping, and how by 
Enchantment he was taken and led into a Castle. 

N OW leave we these knights prisoners, and speak we 
of Sir Launcelot du Lake that lieth under the apple 
tree sleeping. Even about the noon there came by him 
four queens of great estate ; and, for the heat of the sun 
should not annoy them, there rode four knights about 
them and bare a cloth of green silk on four spears, be- 
twixt them and the sun, and the queens rode on four 
white mules. 

Thus as they rode they heard by them a great horse 
grimly neigh, and then were they ware of a sleeping 
knight that lay all armed under an apple tree ; anon as 
these queens looked on his face they knew that it was 
Sir Launcelot. Then they began for to strive for that 
knight ; every one said she would have him to her love. 

“We shall not strive,” said Morgan le Fay that was 
King Arthur’s sister ; “ I shall put an enchantment upon 
him that he shall not awake in six hours, and then I will 
lead him away unto my castle, and when he is surely within 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


55 


my hold I shall take the enchantment from him, and then 
let him choose which of us he will have for his love.” 

So this enchantment was cast upon Sir Launcelot, and 
then they laid him upon his shield, and bare him so on 
horseback betwixt two knights, and brought him unto the 
castle Chariot, and there they laid nim in a chamber cold, 
and at night they sent unto him a fair damsel with his 
supper ready dight. By that the enchantment was past, 
and when she came she saluted him, and asked him what 
cheer ? 

“I cannot say, fair damsel,” said Sir Launcelot, “for 
I wot not how I came into this castle but it be by an 
enchantment.” 

“Sir,” said she, “ye must make good cheer, and if ye 
be such a knight as is said ye be, I shall tell you more 
tomorn [ to-morrow ] by prime [ the first hour ] of the day.” 

“Gramercy, fair damsel,” said Sir Launcelot, “of your 
good will I require you.” 

And so she departed. And there he lay all that night 
without comfort of anybody. 

And on the morn early came these four queens, passingly 
well beseen, all they bidding him good morn, and he them 
again. 

“Sir knight,” the four queens said, “thou must under- 
stand thou art our prisoner, and we here know thee well, 
that thou art Sir Launcelot du Lake, King Ban’s son. 
And truly we understand your worthiness that thou art 
the noblest knight living; and therefore thee behoveth 
now to choose one of us four. I am the queen Morgan 
le Fay, queen of the land of Gore, and here is the queen 
of Northgalis, and the queen of Eastland, and the queen 
of the Out Isles ; now choose ye one of us which thou 
wilt have to thy love, for thou mayst not choose or else in 
this prison to die.” 


56 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“ This is an hard case,” said Sir Launcelot, “ that either 
I must die or else choose one of you, yet had I liever to 
die in this prison with worship, than to have one of you 
to my love maugre my head. And therefore ye be an- 
swered, for I will have none of you, for ye be false 
enchantresses.” 

“ Well,” said the queens, “ is this your answer, that you 
will refuse us ? ” 

“Yea, upon my life,” said Sir Launcelot, “refused ye 
be of me.” 

So they departed, and left him there alone that made 
great sorrow. 


CHAPTER IV. 

How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the Means of a Damsel. 

R IGHT so at noon came the damsel to him, and brought 
him his dinner, and asked him what cheer. 

“ Truly, fair damsel,” said Sir Launcelot, “ in all my life- 
days never so ill.” 

“ Sir,” said she, “ that me repenteth ; but and ye will 
be ruled by me, I shall help you out of this distress, and 
ye shall have no shame nor villany, so that ye hold me a 
promise.” 

“ Fair damsel, that I will grant you, and sore I am 
afeared of these queen’s witches, for they have destroyed 
many a good knight.” 

“ Sir,” said she, “ that is sooth, and for the renown and 
bounty they hear of you, they would have your love, and, 
sir, they say that your name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, 
the flower of all the knights that been living, and they 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


57 


been passing wroth with you that ye have refused them ; 
but, sir, and ye would promise me for to help my father 
on Tuesday next coming, that hath made a tournament 
between him and the king of Northgalis ; for the Tuesday 
last past my father lost the field through three knights of 
King Arthur’s court, and if ye will be there upon Tuesday 
next coming and help my father, to-morrow or \ere\ prime, 
by the grace of God, I shall deliver you clean.” 

“Fair maiden,” said Sir Launcelot, “tell me what is 
your father’s name, and then shall I give you an answer.” 

“Sir knight,” said the damsel, “my father is King 
Bagdemagus, that was foully rebuked at the last tourna 
ment.” 

“I know your father well,” said Sir Launcelot, “for a 
noble king and a good knight, and by the faith of my 
body, ye shall have my body ready to do your father and 
you service at that day.” 

“ Sir,” said the damsel, “ gramercy, and to-morrow await 
that ye be ready betimes, and I shall deliver you ; and 
take you your armor and your horse, shield, and spear; 
and hereby within these ten miles is an abbey of white 
monks, and there I pray you to abide, and thither shall I 
bring my father unto you.” 

“ All this shall be done,” said Sir Launcelot, “ as I am a 
true knight.” 

And so she departed, and came on the morrow early 
and found him ready. Then she brought him out ot 
twelve locks, and brought him unto his armor. And 
when he was all armed and arrayed, she brought him 
unto his own horse, and lightly he saddled him, and 
took a great spear in his hand, and so rode forth, and 
said, “ Fair damsel, I shall not fail you, by the grace of 
God.” 


58 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


And so he rode into a great forest all that day, and in 
no wise could he find any highway, and so the night fell 
on him, and then was he ware in a slade [glade] of a 
pavilion of red sendall. 1 “By my faith,” said Sir Launce- 
lot, “in that pavilion will I lodge all this night.” And 
so there he alighted down, and tied his horse to the 
pavilion, and there he unarmed him, and found there a 
rich bed and laid him therein, and anon he fell on sleep. 

So thus within a while the night passed and the day 
appeared, and then Sir Launcelot armed him and mounted 
upon his horse, and took his leave, and they showed him 
the way towards the abbey, and thither they rode within 
the space of two hours. 


CHAPTER V. 

How Sir Launcelot was received of King BAGDEMAGUS , Daughter, 

AND HOW HE MADE HIS COMPLAINT UNTO HER FATHER. 

A S soon as Sir Launcelot came within the abbey yard, 
King Bagdemagus’ daughter heard a great horse go 
on the pavement. And then she arose and went unto a 
window, and* there she saw that it was Sir Launcelot, and 
anon she made men hastily to go to him, which took his 
horse and led him into a stable, and himself was led into 
a fair chamber, and there he unarmed him, and the lady 
sent to him a long gown, and anon she came herself. 
And then she made Sir Launcelot passing good cheer, 
and she said he was the knight in the world that was most 
welcome to her. Then she in all the haste sent for her 
father King Bagdemagus, that was within twelve miles of 

* “ Sendall,” a kind of silk. 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 


59 


that abbey, and before even he came with a fair fellowship 
of knights with him. And when the king was alighted 
from his horse, he went straight unto Sir Launcelot’s 
chamber, and there found his daughter, and then the 
king embraced Sir Launcelot in his arms, and either 
made other good cheer. Anon Sir Launcelot made his 
complaint unto the king how he was betrayed, and how 
his brother Sir Lionel was departed from him he wist not 
whither, and how his daughter had delivered him out of 
prison, “ wherefore I shall while I live do her service and 
all her friends and kindred.” 

“ Then am I sure of your help,” said the king, " now on 
Tuesday next coming ? ” 

“Ye, sir,” said Sir Launcelot, “I shall not fail you, for 
so have I promised unto my lady, your daughter. As I 
hear say that the tournament shall be within this three 
mile of this abbey, ye shall send unto me three knights of 
yours such as ye trust, and look that the three knights 
have all white shields, and I also, and no painture on the 
shields, and we four will come out of a little wood in the 
midst of both parties, and we shall fall in the front of our 
enemies and grieve them that we may ; and thus shall I 
not be known what knight I am.” So they took their 
rest that night, and this was on the Sunday. And so 
the king departed, and sent unto Sir Launcelot three 
knights, with the four white shields. 

And on the Tuesday they lodged them in a little leaved 
wood beside there the tournament should be. And there 
were scaffolds that lords and ladies might behold, and to 
give the prize. Then came into the field the king of 
Northgalis with eightscore helms. And then the three 
knights of Arthur stood by themselves. Then came into 
the field King Bagdamagus with fourscore of helms. And 


6o 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


then they fewtred [ placed in rest\ their spears, and came 
together with a great dash, and there were slain of knights, 
at the first encounter, twelve of King Bagdemagus’ party, 
and six of the king of Northgalis’ party, and King Bagde- 
magus’ party was far set aback. 


CHAPTER VI. 


How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a Tournament, and how hb 
met with Sir Turquine leading away Sir Gaheris. 


ITH that came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he 



V V thrust in with his spear in the thickest of the 
press, and there he smote down with one spear five 
knights, and of four of them he brake their backs. And 
in that throng he smote down the king of Northgalis, and 
brake his thigh in that fall. All this doing of Sir Launce- 
lot saw the three knights of Arthur. 

“ Yonder is a shrewd guest,” said Sir Mador de la 
Porte, “ therefore have here once at him.” 

So they encountered, and Sir Launcelot bare him down 
horse and man, so that his shoulder went out of joint. 

“Now befalleth it to me to joust,” said Mordred, “for 
Sir Mador hath a sore fall.” 

Sir Launcelot was ware of him, and gat a great spear in 
his hand, and met him, and Sir Mordred brake a spear 
upon him, and Sir Launcelot gave him such a buffet that 
the bow of his saddle brake, and so he flew over his horse's 
tail, that his helm went into the earth a foot and more, 
that nigh his neck was broken, and there he lay long in a 
swoon. Then came in Sir Gahalatine with a spear, and 
Launcelot against him, with all their strength that they 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


61 


might drive, that both their spears to-brast [burst to pieces ] 
even to their hands, and then they flung out with their 
swords, and gave many a grim stroke. Then was Sir 
Launcelot wroth out of measure, and then he smote Sir 
Gahalatine on the helm, that his nose burst out on blood, 
and ears and mouth both, and therewith his head hung 
low. And therewith his horse ran away with him, and he 
fell down to the earth. 

Anon therewithal Sir Launcelot gat a great spear in his 
hand, and, or [ere] ever that great spear brake, he bare 
down to the earth sixteen knights, some horse and man, 
and some the man and not the horse, and there was none 
but that he hit surely. He bare none arms [no device to 
be known by] that day. And then he gat another great 
spear, and smote down twelve knights, and the most part 
of them never throve after. And then the knights of the 
king of Northgalis would joust no more, and there the 
prize was given unto King Bagdemagus. So either party 
departed unto his own place, and Sir Launcelot rode forth 
with King Bagdemagus unto his castle, and there he had 
passing good cheer both with the king and with his 
daughter, and they proffered him great gifts. And on 
the morn he took his leave, and told King Bagdemagus 
that he would go and seek his brother Sir Lionel, that 
went from him when that he slept. So he took his horse, 
and betaught [commended] them all to God. And there 
he said unto the king’s daughter, “ If ye have need any 
time of my service, I pray you let me have knowledge, 
and I shall not fail you, as I am a true knight.” 

And so Sir Launcelot departed, and by adventure he 
came into the same forest where he was taken sleeping. 
And in the midst of an highway he met a damsel riding 
on a white palfrey, and there either saluted other. 


62 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“Fair damsel,” said Sir Launcelot, “know ye in this 
country any adventures ? ” 

“Sir knight,” said that damsel, “here are adventures 
near hand, and [if\ thou durst prove them.” 

“ Why should I not prove adventures ? ” said Sir Launce- 
lot ; “for that cause came I hither.” 

“Well,” said she, “thou seemest well to be a good 
knight, and if thou dare meet with a good knight, I shall 
bring thee where is the best knight and the mightiest 
that ever thou foundest, so thou wilt tell me what is thy 
name, and what knight thou art.” 

“ Damsel, as for to .tell thee my name, I take no great 
force : truly, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake.” 

“ Sir, thou beseemest well, here be adventures by that 
fall for thee, for hereby dwelleth a knight that will not be 
overmatched for no man that I know, unless ye overmatch 
him, and his name is Sir Turquine. And, as I understand, 
he hath in his prison of Arthur’s court good knights three- 
score and four that he hath won with his own hands. But 
when ye have done that day’s work ye shall promise me 
as ye are a true knight for to go with me, and to help me 
and other damsels that are distressed daily with a false 
knight.” 

“ All your intent, damsel, and desire I will fulfil, so ye 
will bring me unto this knight.” 

“ Now, iair knight, come on your way.” 

And so she brought him unto the ford, and unto the 
tree where hung the basin. So Sir Launcelot let his 
horse drink, and then he beat on the basin with the butt 
of his spear so hard with all his might till the bottom fell 
out, and long he did so, but he saw nothing. Then he 
rode along the gates of that manor nigh half an hour. 
And then was he ware of a great knight that drove ar 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 


63 


horse afore him, and overthwart the horse there lay an 
armed knight bound. And ever as they came near and 
near, Sir Launcelot thought he should know him ; then 
Sir Launcelot was ware that it was Sir Gaheris, Gawaine' s 
brother, a knight of the Table Round. 

“ Now, fair damsel,” said Sir Launcelot, “ I see yondei 
cometh a knight fast bound that is a fellow of mine, and 
brother he is unto Sir Gawaine. And at the first begin- 
ning I promise you, by the leave of God, to rescue that 
knight ; and unless his master sit better in the saddle I 
shall deliver all the prisoners that he hath out of danger, 
for I am sure that he hath two brethren of mine prisoners 
with him.” 

By that time that either had seen other they gripped 
their spears unto them. 

“Now fair knight,” said Sir Launcelot, “put that 
wounded knight off the horse, and let him rest awhile, 
and let us two prove our strengths. For as it is informed 
me, thou doest and hast done great despite and shame 
unto knights of the Round Table, and therefore now 
defend thee.” 

“And [if] thou be of the Table Round,” said Turquine, 
“ I defy thee and all thy fellowship.” 

“ That is overmuch said,” said Sir Launcelot. 


CHAPTER VII. 

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought together. 

A ND then they put their spears in the rests, and came 
together with their horses as fast as they might run, 
and either smote other m the midst of their shields, that 


6 4 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


both their horses’ backs brast under them, and the knights 
were both astonied, and as soon as they might avoid theif 
horses they took their shields afore them, and drew out 
their swords, and came together eagerly, and either gave 
other many strong strokes, for there might neither shields 
nor harness hold their strokes. And so within a while 
they had both grimly wounds, and bled passing grievously. 
Thus they fared two hours or more, trasing and rasing 
\feinting and thrusting ] either other where they might hit 
any bare place. Then at the last they were breathless 
both, and stood leaning on their swords. 

“Now, fellow,” said Sir Turquine, “hold thy hand 
awhile, and tell me what I shall ask thee.” 

“ Say on.” 

Then Turquine said, “Thou art the biggest man that 
ever I met withal, and the best breathed, and like one 
knight that I hate above all other knights ; so be it that 
thou be not he I will lightly accord with thee, and for thy 
love I will deliver all the prisoners that I have, that is 
threescore and four, so thou wilt tell me thy name. And 
thou and I will be fellows together, and never to fail the 
while that I live.” 

“It is well said,” said Sir Launcelot, “but since it is 
so that I may have thy friendship, what knight is he that 
thou so hatest above all other ? ” 

“Truly,” said Sir Turquine, “his name is Launcelot 
du Lake, for he slew my brother Sir Carados at the 
Dolorous Tower, which was one of the best knights then 
living, and therefore him I except of all knights, for and 
[s if\ I may once meet with him, that one of us shall make 
an end of another, and do that I make a vow. And for 
Sir Launcelot’s sake I have slain an hundred good knights, 
and as many I have utterly maimed, that never after they 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


65 


might help themselves, and many have died in my prison, 
and yet I have threescore and four, and all shall be 
delivered, so that thou wilt tell me thy name, and so it 
be that thou be not Sir Launcelot.” 

“ Now see I well,” said Sir Launcelot, “that such a man 
I might be I might have peace, and such a man I might 
be there should be between us two mortal war ; and now, 
sir knight, at thy request, I will that thou wit and know 
that I am Sir Launcelot du Lake, King Ban’s son of Ben- 
wick, and knight of the Round Table. And now I defy 
. thee do thy best.” 

“Ah!” said Sir Turquine, “Launcelot, thou art unto 
me most welcome, as ever was any knight, for we shall 
never depart till the one of us be dead.” 

And then hurtled they together as two wild bulls, 
rashing and lashing with their shields and swords, that 
sometime they fell both on their noses. Thus they 
fought still two hours and more, and never would rest, 
and Sir Turquine gave Sir Launcelot many wounds that 
all the ground there as they fought was all besprinkled 
with blood. 

Then at last Sir Turquine waxed very faint, and gave 
somewhat back, and bare his shield full low for weariness. 
That soon espied Sir Launcelot, and then leaped upon 
him fiercely as a lion, and got him by the banner of his 
helmet, and so he plucked him down on his knees, and 
anon he rased \tore off ] his helm, and then he smote his 
neck asunder. 


66 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER VIII. 

How Sir Launcelot slew Two Giants, and made a Castle Free. 

S O on the third day he rode over a long bridge, and 
there started upon him suddenly a passing foul churl, 
and he smote his horse on the nose that he turned about, 
and asked him why he rode over that bridge without his 
license. 

“ Why should I not ride this way ? ” said Sir Launcelot. 
“ I may not ride beside.” 

“Thou shalt not choose,” said the churl, and lashed at 
him with a great club shod with iron. Then Sir Launce- 
lot drew a sword, and put the stroke aback, and clave his 
head unto the breast. At the end of the bridge was a fair 
village, and all the people men and women cried on Sir 
Launcelot, and said, “ A worse deed didst thou never for 
thyself, for thou hast slain the chief porter of our castle.” 

Sir Launcelot let them say what they would, and straight 
he went into the castle ; and when he came into the castle 
he alighted, and tied his horse to a ring on the wall ; and 
there he saw a fair green court, and thither he dressed 
himself, for there him thought was a fair place to fight in. 
So he looked about, and saw much people in doors and 
windows, that said, “Fair knight, thou art unhappy.” 

Anon withal came there upon him two great giants, 
well armed all save the heads, with two horrible clubs in 
their hands. Sir Launcelot put his shield afore him, and 
put the stroke away of the one giant, and with his sword 
he clave his head asunder. When his fellow saw that, he 
ran away as he were wood [crazy], for fear of the horrible 
strokes, and Sir Launcelot after him with all his might, 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


67 


and smote him on the shoulder, and clave him to the mid- 
dle. Then Sir Launcelot went into the hall, and there 
came afore him threescore ladies and damsels, and all 
kneeled unto him, and thanked God and him of their 
deliverance. 

“For, sir,” said they, “the most part of us have been 
here this seven year their prisoners, and we have worked 
all manner of silk works for our meat, and we are all 
great gentlewomen born, and blessed be the time, knight, 
that ever thou wert born ; for thou hast done the most 
worship that ever did knight in the world, that will we 
bear record, and we all pray you to tell us your name, 
that we may tell our friends who delivered us out of 
prison.” 

“Fair damsels,” he said, “my name is Sir Launcelot du 
Lake.” 

“Ah, sir,” said they all, “well mayest thou be he, for 
else save yourself, as we deemed, there might never knight 
have the better of these two giants, for many fair knights 
have assayed it, and here have ended, and many times have 
we wished after you, and these two giants dread never 
knight but you.” 

“Now may ye say,” said Sir Launcelot, “unto your 
friends, how and who hath delivered you, and greet them 
all from me, and if that I come in any of your marches 
[( boundaries\ show me such cheer as ye have cause ; and 
what treasure that there is in this castle I give it you for 
a reward for your grievance : and the lord that is the 
owner of this castle I would that he received it as is right.” 

“Fair sir,” said they, “the name of this castle is Tinta- 
gil, and a duke owned it some time that had wedded fair 
Igraine, and after wedded her Uther Pendragon.” 

“Well,” said Sir Launcelot, “I understand to whom 
this castle belongeth.” 


68 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


And so he departed from them and betaught [ com- 
mended '] them unto God. And then he mounted upon his 
horse, and rode into many strange and wild countries and 
through many waters and valleys, and evil was he lodged. 
And at the last by fortune him happened against a night 
to come to a fair curtilage [enclosure], and therein he found 
an old gentlewoman that lodged him with a good will, and 
there he had good cheer for him and his horse. And when 
time was, his host brought him into a fair garret over the 
gate to his bed. There Sir Launcelot unarmed him, and 
set his harness by him, and went to bed, and anon he fell 
on sleep. So soon after there came one on horseback, and 
knocked at the gate in great haste. And when Sir Launce- 
lot heard this he arose up, and looked out at the window, 
and saw by the moonlight three knights came riding after 
one man, and all three lashed on him at once with swords, 
and that one knight turned on them knightly again and 
defended him. 

“ Truly,” said Sir Launcelot, “yonder one knight shall 
I help, for it were shame for me to see three knights on 
one, and if he be slain I am partner of his death.” 

And therewith he took his harness and went out at a 
window by a sheet down to the four knights, and then Sir 
Launcelot said on high [in a loud voice], “Turn you 
knights unto me, and leave your fighting with that 
knight.” 

And then they all three left Sir Kay, and turned unto 
Sir Launcelot, and there began great battle, for they 
alighted all three, and struck many great strokes at Sir 
Launcelot, and assailed him on every side. Then Sir Kay 
dressed him for to have holpen Sir Launcelot. 

“ Nay, sir,” said he, “ I will none of your help, therefore 
as ye will have my help let me alone with them.” 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


69 


Sir Kay for the pleasure of the knight suffered him to 
lo his will, and so stood aside. And then anon within six 
strokes Sir Launcelot had stricken them to the earth. 

And then they all three cried, “ Sir knight, we yield 
us unto you as man of might matchless.” 

“ As to that,” said Sir Launcelot, “ I will not take your 
fielding unto me, but so that ye yield you unto Sir Kay 
the seneschal ; on that covenant I will save your lives and 
else not.” 

“ Fair knight,” said they, “ that were we loath to do ; for 
as for Sir Kay we chased him hither, and had overcome 
him had not ye been ; therefore to yield us unto him it were 
no reason.” 

“ Well, as to that,” said Sir Launcelot, “ advise you well, 
for ye may choose whether ye will die or live, for and [tf] 
ye be yielden it shall be unto Sir Kay.” 

“ Fair knight,” then they said, “in saving our lives we 
will do as thou commandest us.” 

“ Then shall ye,” said Sir Launcelot, “ on Whitsunday 
next coming go unto the court of King Arthur, and there 
shall ye yield you unto Queen Guenever, and put you all 
three in her grace and mercy, and say that Sir Kay sent 
you thither to be her prisoners.” 

“ Sir,” they said, “ it shall be done by the faith of our 
bodies, and we be living.” 

And there they swore, every knight upon his sword. 
And so Sir Launceiot suffered them so to depart. And 
then Sir Launcelot knocked at the gate with the pommel 
of his sword, and with that came his host, and in they 
entered, Sir Kay and he. 

“ Sir,” said his host, “ I wend ye had been in your bed.” 

“ So I was,” said Sir Launcelot, “ but I arose and leaped 
out at my window for to help an old fellow of mine.” 


7 o 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


And so when they came nigh the light Sir Kay knew 
well that it was Sir Launcelot, and therewith he kneeled 
down and thanked him of all his kindness that he hath 
holpen him twice from the death. 

“ Sir,” he said, “ I have done nothing but that I ought 
to do, and ye are welcome, and here shall ye repose you 
and take your rest.” 

So when Sir Kay was unarmed he asked after meat, so 
there was meat fetched him, and he ate strongly. And 
when he had supped they went to their beds, and were 
lodged together in one bed. On the morn Sir Launcelot 
arose early, and left Sir Kay sleeping : and Sir Launcelot 
took Sir Kay’s armor and his shield and armed him : and 
so he went to the stable and took his horse, and took his 
leave of his host, and so he departed. Then soon after 
arose Sir Kay and missed Sir Launcelot : and then he 
espied that he had his armor and his horse. 

“ Now, by my faith, I know well that he will grieve some 
of King Arthur’s court : for on him knights will be bold, 
and deem that it is I, and that will beguile them ; and 
because of his armor and shield, I am sure that I shall 
ride in peace.” And then soon after departed Sir Kay, 
and thanked his host. 


CHAPTER IX. 

How Sir Launcelot followed a Brachet into a Castle, where 

AS HE FOUND A DEAD KNIGHT, AND HOW AFTERWARD HE WAS 
REQUIRED OF A DAMSEL FOR TO HEAL HER BROTHER. 

N OW let us speak of Sir Launcelot, that rode a great 
while in a deep forest, where he saw a black brachet 
[ small hojind], seeking in manner as it had been in the 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


71 


fealty [track] of an hurt deer, and therewith he rode after 
the brachet ; and he saw lie on the ground a large fealty 
of blood, and then Sir Launcelot rode after, and ever the 
brachet looked behind her. And so she went through a 
great marish [marsh], and ever Sir Launcelot followed; 
and then was he ware of an old manor, and thither ran 
the brachet, and so over the bridge. So Sir Launcelot 
rode over the bridge, that was old and feeble. And when 
he came into the midst of a great hall, there saw he lie 
a dead knight, that was a seemly man, and that brachet 
licked his wounds. And therewith came out a lady weep- 
ing and wringing her hands, and she said, “ O knight, too 
much sorrow hast thou brought me.” 

“ Why say ye so ? ” said Sir Launcelot, “ I did never this 
knight no harm, for hither by track of blood this brachet 
brought me ; and therefore, fair lady, be not displeased 
with me, for I am full sore aggrieved of your grievance.” 

“Truly, sir,” she said, “I trow it be not ye that have 
slain my husband, for he that did that deed is sore 
wounded, and he is never likely to recover, that shall I 
ensure him.” 

“What was your husband’s name?” said Sir Launcelot. 

“Sir,” said she, “his name was called Sir Gilbert, one 
of the best knights of the world, and he that hath slain 
him I know not his name.” 

“ Now God send you better comfort,” said Sir Launce- 
lot. 

And so he departed and went into the forest again, and 
there he met with a damsel, the which knew him well, and 
she said aloud, “ Well be ye found, my lord ; and now I 
require thee on thy knighthood help my brother that is 
sore wounded, and never stinteth bleeding, for this day 
fought he with Sir Gilbert and slew him in plain battle, 


72 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


and there was my brother sore wounded, and there is a 
lady a sorceress that dwelleth in a castle here beside, and 
this day she told me my brother’s wounds should never 
be whole till I could find a knight that would go into the 
Chapel Perilous, and there he should find a sword and a 
bloody cloth that the wounded knight was lapped in, and 
a piece of that cloth and sword should heal my brother’s 
wounds, so that his wounds were searched [touched] with 
the sword and the cloth.” 

“This is a marvellous thing,” said Sir Launcelot, “but 
what is your brother’s name ? ” 

“Sir,” said she, “his name is Sir Meliot de Logres.” 

“ That me repenteth,” said Sir Launcelot, “ for he is a 
fellow of the Table Round, and to his help I will do my 
power.” 

“Then, sir,” said she, “follow even this high way, and 
it will bring you unto the Chapel Perilous, and here I 
shall abide till God send you here again, and but you 
speed I know no knight living that may achieve that 
adventure.” 


CHAPTER X. 

How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous, and gat 

THERE OF A DEAD CORPSE A PIECE OF THE CLOTH AND A SWORD. 

R IGHT so Sir Launcelot departed, and when he came 
unto the Chapel Perilous he alighted down, and tied 
his horse to a little gate. And as soon as he was within 
the churchyard he saw on the front of the chapel many 
fair rich shields turned up so down \npside down], and 
many of the shields Sir Launcelot had seen knights bear 
beforehand. With that he saw by him stand there thirty 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


73 


great knights, more by a yard than any man that ever 
he had seen, and all those grinned and gnashed at Sir 
Launcelot. And when he saw their countenance he 
dread him sore, and so put his shield afore him, and 
took his sword in his hand ready unto battle ; and they 
were all armed in black harness, ready with their shields 
and their swords drawn. And when Sir Launcelot would 
have gone throughout them, they scattered on every side 
of him, and gave him the way, and therewith he waxed all 
bold and entered into the chapel, and then he saw no 
light but a dim lamp burning, and then was he ware of 
a corpse covered with a cloth of silk. Then Sir Launce- 
lot stooped down and cut a piece away of that cloth, and 
then it fared under him as the earth had quaked a little ; 
therewithal he feared. And then he saw a fair sword lie 
by the dead knight, and that he gat in his hand and hied 
him out of the chapel. Anon as ever he was in the 
chapel-yard all the knights spake to him with a grimly 
voice, and said, “ Knight, Sir Launcelot, lay that sword 
from thee, or else thou shalt die.” 

“Whether I live or die,” said Sir Launcelot, “will no 
great word get it again, therefore fight for it and ye list.” 

Then right so he passed throughout them, and beyond 
the chapel-yard there met him a fair damsel, and said, 
“ Sir Launcelot, leave that sword behind thee, or thou wilt 
die for it.” 

“ I leave it not,” said Sir Launcelot, “for no entreaties.” 

“ No,” said she, “ and thou didst leave that sword, Queen 
Guenever should ye never see.” 

“ Then were I a fool and I would leave this sword,” said 
Launcelot. 

“ Now gentle knight,” said the damsel, “ I require thee 
to kiss me but once.” 


74 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“Nay,” said Sir Launcelot, “that God me forbid. 0 

“Well, sir,” said she, “and thou hadst kissed me thy 
life days had been done, but now alas,” she said, “ I have 
lost all my labor, for I ordained this chapel for thy sake. 
And, Sir Launcelot, now I tell thee, I have loved thee 
this seven year. But since I may not have [thee] alive, 
I had kept no more joy in this world but to have [thee] 
dead. Then would I have balmed [thee] and preserved 
[thee], and so have kept [thee] my life days, and daily I 
should have kissed thee.” 

“Ye say well,” said Sir Launcelot, “God preserve me 
from your subtle crafts.” 

And therewithal he took his horse and so departed 
from her. And when Sir Launcelot was departed she 
took such sorrow that she died within a fourteen night 
[ fortnight \ , and her name was Hellawes the sorceress, lady 
of the castle Nigramous. Anon Sir Launcelot met with 
the damsel, Sir Meliot’s sister. And when she saw him 
she clapped her hands and wept for joy, and then they 
rode unto a castle thereby, where Sir Meliot lay. And 
anon as Sir Launcelot saw him he knew him, but he was 
pale as the earth for bleeding. When Sir Meliot saw Sir 
Launcelot, he kneeled upon his knees and cried on high : 
“ O lord Sir Launcelot help me ! ” Anon Sir Launcelot 
leaped unto him, and touched his wounds with Sir Gilbert’s 
sword, and then he wiped his wounds with a part of the 
bloody cloth that Sir Gilbert was wrapped in, and ancn a 
wholer man in his life was he never. And then there was 
great joy between them, and they made Sir Launcelot all 
the cheer that they might, and so on the morn Sir Launce- 
lot took his leave, and bade Sir Meliot hie him to the court 
of my lord Arthur, “ for it draweth nigh to the feast of 
Pentecost, and there, by the grace of God, ye shall find 
me.” And therewith they departed. 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


75 


CHAPTER XL 


How Sir Launcelot at the Request of a Lady recovered a Falcon, 


BY WHICH HE WAS DECEIVED. 



ND so Sir Launcelot rode through many strange 


L~\ countries, over marshes and valleys, till by fortune 
he came to a fair castle, and as he passed beyond the 
castle him thought 1 he heard two bells ring. And then 
was he ware of a falcon came flying over his head toward 
an high elm, and long lines about her feet, and as she flew 
unto the elm to take her perch, the lines overcast about a 
bough. And when she would have taken her flight she 
hung by the legs fast, and Sir Launcelot saw how she hung, 
and beheld the fair falcon, and he was sorry for her. The 
meanwhile came a lady out of the castle, and cried on high, 
“ O Launcelot, Launcelot, as thou art flower of all knights 
help me to get my hawk, for and my hawk be lost my lord 
will destroy me ; for I kept the hawk and she slipped from 
me, and if my lord my husband wit \know ] it, he is so hasty 
that he will slay me.” 

“ What is your lord’s name ? ” said Sir Launcelot. 

“ Sir,” she said, “ his name is Sir Phelot, a knight thal 
longeth unto \belongeth unto ] the king of Northgalis.” 

“ Well, fair lady, since that ye know my name, and 
require me of knighthood to help you, I will do what I 
may to get your hawk, and yet truly I am an ill climber, 
and the tree is passing high, and few boughs to help me 
withal.” 

And therewith Sir Launcelot alighted, and tied his horse 
to the same tree, and prayed the lady to unarm him. And 


X (I 


Him thought,” compare methought. 


76 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


so when he was unarmed, he put off all his clothes unto 
his shirt and breeches, and with might and force climbed 
up to the falcon and tied the lines to a great rotten branch 
and threw the hawk down with the branch. Anon the 
lady gat the hawk with her hand. And therewithal came 
Sir Phelot out of the groves suddenly, that was her hus- 
band, all armed with his naked sword in his hand, and 
said : “ O knight Sir Launcelot, now have I found thee as 
I would have thee,” and stood at the bole \trunk\ of the 
tree to slay him. 

“ Ah, lady ! ” said Sir Launcelot, “ why have ye betrayed 
me ? ” 

“ She hath done as I commanded her,” said Sir Phelot ; 
“ and therefore there is none other way but thine hour is 
come that thou must die.” 

“That were shame,” said Sir Launcelot, “that an armed 
knight should slay a naked man by treason.” 

“ Thou gettest none other grace,” said Sir Phelot. 

“Truly,” said Sir Launcelot, “that shall be thy shame ; 
but sith [since] thou wilt do none otherwise, take mine 
harness with thee, and hang my sword upon a bough that 
I may get it, and then do thy best to slay me and thou 
canst.” 

“Nay, nay,” said Sir Phelot, “for I know thee better 
than thou weenest, therefore thou gettest no weapon and 
I may keep thee therefrom.” 

“ Alas,” said Sir Launcelot, “ that ever any knight should 
die weaponless.” 

And therewithal he looked above and under him, and 
over his head he saw a roundspike on a big bough leafless, 
and brake it off by the body of the tree, and then he came 
lower, and awaited how his own horse stood, and suddenly 
he leaped on the farther side of the horse from the knight 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


77 


And then Sir Phelot lashed at him eagerly, weening to 
have slain him, but Sir Launcelot put away the stroke with 
the roundspike, and therewith he smote him on the side 
of the head that he fell in a swound \swoon\ to the ground. 
Then Sir Launcelot took his sword out of his hand, and 
struck his neck from the body. Then cried the lady, 
“ Alas, why hast thou slain my husband ? ” 

“I am not causer,” said Sir Launcelot, “for with false- 
hood ye would have slain me with treason, and now it is 
fallen on you both.” 

And then she swounded [swooned] as though she would 
die. And therewithal Sir Launcelot got all his armor as 
well as he could, and put it on him for dread of more 
resort, for he dread that the knight’s castle was nigh. 
And as soon as he might, he took his horse and departed 
thence, and thanked our Lord God that he had escaped 
that adventure. 


CHAPTER XII. 

How Sir Launcelot came unto King Arthur’s Court, and how 

THERE WERE RECOUNTED OF HIS NOBLE FEATS AND ACTS. 

S IR LAUNCELOT came home two days afore the 
feast of Pentecost. And King Arthur and all the 
court were full glad of his coming. And when Sir Gawaine, 
Sir Ewaine, Sir Sagramour, and Sir Ector de Maris saw 
Sir Launcelot in Sir Kay’s armor, then they wist well 
it was he that smote them down all with one spear. Then 
there was laughing and smiling among them. And ever 
now and then came all the knights home that Sir Turquine 
had taken prisoners, and they all honored and worshipped 
Sir Launcelot. When Sir Gaheris heard them speak, he 


78 The Boy's King Arthur . 

said: “I saw all the battle, from the beginning to the 
ending.” 

And there he told King Arthur all how it was, and how 
Sir Turquine was the strongest knight that ever he saw 
except Sir Launcelot ; there were many knights bare him 
record, nigh threescore. Then Sir Kay told the king how 
Sir Launcelot had rescued him when he was in danger to 
have been slain, and how “ he made the knights to yield 
them to me, and not to him.” And there they were, all 
three, and bare record. “And,” said Sir Kay, “because 
Sir Launcelot took my harness, and left me his, I rode in 
good peace, and no man would have to do with me.” Then 
anon therewithal came the three knights that fought with 
Sir Launcelot at the long bridge, and there they yielded 
them unto Sir Kay, and Sir Kay forsook them, and said 
he fought never with them ; “ but I shall ease your hearts,” 
said Sir Kay, “yonder is Sir Launcelot that overcame you.” 
When they understood that, they were glad. And then 
Sir Meliot de Logres came home, and told King Arthur 
how Sir Launcelot had saved him from the death. And 
all his deeds were known, how four queens, sorceresses, 
had him in prison, and how he was delivered by King 
Bagdemagus’ daughter. Also there were told all the great 
deeds of arms that Sir Launcelot did betwixt the two 
kings, that is to say, the king of Northgalis and King 
Bagdemagus. All the truth Sir Gahalantine did tell, and 
Sir Mador de la Porte, and Sir Mordred, for they were at 
that same tournament. Then came in the lady that knew 
Sir Launcelot when that he wounded Sir Belleus at the 
pavilion. And there at the request of Sir Launcelot, Sir 
Belleus was made knight of the Round Table. 

And so at that time Sir Launcelot had the greatest 
name of any knight of the world, and most he was hon 
ored of high and low. 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


79 


CHAPTER XIII. 


How Sir Launcelot became mad, and leaped from a Window. 



,N a day, that might be a matter of two years before 


L that feast of Pentecost whereof it will be told in the 
Book of Sir Tristram, it happened that Queen Guenever 
was angered with Sir Launcelot, yet truly for no fault of 
his, but only because a certain enchantress had wrought 
that Sir Launcelot seemed to have shamed his knight- 


hood. 


Then the queen was nigh out of her wit, and then she 
writhed and weltered as a mad woman ; and at the last 
the queen met with Sir Launcelot, and thus she said,] 
“False traitor knight that thou art, look thou never abide 
in my court, and not so hardy, thou false traitor knight 
that thou art, that ever thou come in my sight.” 

“ Alas ! ” said Sir Launcelot : and therewith he took 
such an heartly sorrow at her words that he fell down to 
the floor in a swoon. And therewithal Queen Guenever 
departed. And when Sir Launcelot awoke of his swoon 
he leaped out at a bay window into a garden, and there 
with thorns he was all to-scratched in his visage and his 
body, and so he ran forth he wist not whither, and was 
wild wood [insane ] as ever was man. 

“ Wit ye well,” said dame Elaine 1 to Sir Bors, “ I would 
lose my life for him rather than he should be hurt ; but 
alas, I cast me never for to see him ; and the chief causer 
of this is dame Guenever.” 

“ Madam,” said dame Brisen, the which had made the 

1 This is not Elaine, the maid of Astolat, — whom we shall meet hereafter 


—but another Elaine. 


8o 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


enchantment before betwixt Sir Launcelot and her, “ I 
pray you heartily let Sir Bors depart and hie him with all 
his might, as fast as he may, to seek Sir Launcelot. Foi 
I warn you he is clean out of his mind, and yet he shall 
be well holpen, and but by miracle.” 

Then wept dame Elaine, and so did Sir Bors de Ganis, 
and so they departed ; and Sir Bors rode straight unto 
Queen Guenever, and when she saw Sir Bors s.*e wept as 
she were wood. 

‘‘Fie on your weeping,” said Sir Bors, “for ye weep 
never but when there is no boot. Alas ! ” said Sir Bors, 
“that ever Sir Launcelot’s kin saw you. For now have 
ye lost the best knight of our blood, and he that was 
all our leader and our succor. And I dare say and make 
it good, that all kings, Christian nor heathen, may not 
find such a knight, for to speak of his nobleness and 
courtesy with his beauty and his gentleness. Alas,” said 
Sir Bors, “ what shall we do that be of his blood ? ” 

“ Alas ! ” said Sir Ector de Maris. 

“ Alas ! * said Sir Lionel. 


CHAPTER XIV. 

What Sorrow Queen Guenever made for Sir Launcelot, and how 

HE WAS SOUGHT BY KNIGHTS OF HIS KlN. 

A ND when the queen heard them say so, she fell to 
the ground in a deadly sound [swoon] ; and then Sir 
Bors took her, and [roused] her, and when she was come 
to herself again she kneeled afore the three knights, and 
held up both her hands, and besought them to seek him, 
and not to spare for no goods but that he be found, “ for I 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


81 


wot well he is out of his mind.” And Sir Bors, Sir Ector, 
Sir Lionel, departed from the queen, for they might not 
abide no longer for sorrow: and then the queen sent 
them treasure enough for their expenses, and so they 
took their horses and their armor, and departed. And 
then they rode from country to country, in forests and 
in wildernesses and in wastes, and ever they laid watch as 
well both at forests and at all manner of men as they 
rode, to hearken and to inquire after him, as he that was 
a naked man in his shirt, with a sword in his hand. And 
thus they rode well nigh a quarter of a year, endlong and 
overthwart , 1 in many places, forests and wildernesses, and 
oftentimes were evil lodged for his sake, and yet for all 
their labor and seeking could they never hear word of 
him. And wit ye well these three knights were passing 
sorry. 

Then Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine, Sir Sagramor le Desir- 
ous, Sir Agloval, and Sir Percival de Galis, took upon 
them by the great desire of King Arthur, and in especial 
by the queen, to seek throughout all England, Wales, and 
Scotland, to find Sir Launcelot. And with them rode 
eighteen knights more to bear them fellowship. And wit 
ye well they lacked no manner of spending : and so were 
they three and twenty knights. 

And thus as these noble knights rode together, they 
by one assent departed, and then they rode by two, by 
three, and by four, and by five ; and ever they assigned 
where they should meet. 


* “ Endlong and overthwart,” lengthways and crossways of the land. 


82 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER XV. 

How Sir Launcelot in his Madness took a Sword, and fouoiti 
with a Knight, and after leaped in a Bed. 

A ND now leave we a little of Sir Ector and Sir Perch 
val, and speak we of Sir Launcelot, that suffered 
and endured many sharp showers, which ever ran wild 
wood, from place to place, and lived by fruit and such as 
he might get, and drank water, two years ; and other 
clothing had he but little, save his shirt and his breeches. 
And thus, as Sir Launcelot wandered here and there, he 
came into a fair meadow where he found a pavilion, and 
there upon a tree hung a white shield, and two swords 
hung thereby, and two spears there leaned against a tree ; 
and when Sir Launcelot saw the swords, anon he leaped 
to the one sword, and took it in his hand, and drew it out, 
and then he lashed at the shield that all the meadow rang 
of the dints that he gave with such a noise as ten knights 
had fought together. Then there came forth a dwarf, and 
leaped unto Sir Launcelot, and would have had the sword 
out of his hand ; and then Sir Launcelot took him by both 
the shoulders and threw him to the ground upon his neck, 
that he had almost broken his neck ; and therewithal the 
dwarf cried for help. Then came forth a likely knight, 
and well apparelled in scarlet, furred with miniver. And 
anon as he saw Sir Launcelot, he deemed that he should 
be out of his wit : and then he said with fair speech, 
“Good man, lay down that sword, for, as me seemeth, 
thou hast more need of sleep, and of warm clothes, than 
to wield that sword.” 

“ As for that,” said Sir Launcelot, “ come not too nigh ; 
for, and thou do, wit thou well I will slay thee.” 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake 


83 


And when the knight of the pavilion saw that, he started 
backward within the pavilion. And then the dwarf armed 
him lightly, and so the knight thought by force and might 
to take the sword from Sir Launcelot, and so he came 
stepping out, and when Sir Launcelot saw him come so all 
armed with his sword in his hand, then Sir Launcelot flew 
to him with such a might and hit him upon the helm such 
a buffet that the stroke troubled his brains, and therewith 
the sword brake in three. And the knight fell to the 
earth as he had been dead, the blood bursting out of his 
mouth, nose, and ears. And then Sir Launcelot ran into 
the pavilion, and rushed even into the warm bed. 

Then the knight awaked out of his swoon, and looked 
up weakly with his eyes, and then he asked where was 
that mad man that had given him such a buffet ? “ for 
such a buffet had I never of man’s hand.” 

“Sir,” said the dwarf, “it is not worship to hurt him, 
for he is a man out of his wit, and doubt ye not he hath 
been a man of great worship, and for some heartly sorrow 
that he hath taken he is fallen mad ; and me seemeth he 
resembleth much unto Sir Launcelot ; for him I saw at 
the great tournament beside Lonazep.” 

“ Jesu defend,” said that knight, “that ever that noble 
knight Sir Launcelot should be in such a plight. But 
whatsoever he be, harm will I none do him.” 

And this knight’s name was Sir Bliant. Then he said 
unto the dwarf, “ Go thou in all haste on horseback unto 
my brother Sir Seliaunt, that is at the Castle Blanche, 
and tell him of mine adventure, and bid him bring with 
him an horseditter and then will we bear this knigM unto 
my castle. 


8 4 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER XVI. 

How Sir Launcelot was carried in a Horse-Litter, and how Si* 
Launcelot rescued Sir Bliant his Host. 

S O the dwarf rode fast, and came again, and brought 
Sir Seliaunt with him, and six men with an horse- 
litter ; and so they took up the feather-bed with Sir 
Launcelot, and so carried all with them to the Castle 
Blanche, and he never wakened until he was within the 
castle ; and then they bound his hands and his feet, and 
gave him good meats and good drinks, and brought him 
again to his strength and his fairness ; but in his wit they 
could not bring him again, nor to know himself. Thus 
Sir Launcelot was there more than a year and a half. 

Then upon a day this lord of that castle, Sir Bliant, 
took his arms on horseback with a spear to seek ad- 
ventures, and as he rode in a forest there met him two 
knights adventurous ; the one was Sir Breuse sans Pitie, 
and his brother Sir Bertlot. And these two ran both 
at once upon Sir Bliant, and brake both their spears 
upon his body, and then they drew out their swords and 
made a great battle and fought long together ; but at the 
last Sir Bliant was sore wounded, and felt himself faint, 
and then he fled on horseback toward his castle. And 
as they came hurling under the castle, where Sir Launce- 
lot lay in a window and saw two knights laid upon Sir 
Bliant with their swords, and when Sir Launcelot saw 
that, yet as wood [crazy] as he was, he was sorry for his 
lord Sir Bliant ; and then Sir Launcelot brake his chains 
from his legs. 

And so Sir Launcelot ran out at a postern, and there 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 


85 


he met with the two knights that chased Sir Bliant, and 
there he pulled down Bertlot with his bare hands from his 
horse, and therewithal he writhed his sword out of his 
hands, and so he leaped unto Sir Breuse, and gave him 
such a buffet upon the head that he tumbled backward 
over his horse’s crupper. And when Sir Bertlot saw his 
brother have such a fall, he gat a spear in his hand, and 
would have run Sir Launcelot through. That saw Sir 
Bliant, and struck off the hand of Sir Bertlot ; and then 
Sir Breuse and Sir Bertlot gat their horses and fled away. 
When Sir Seliaunt came, and saw what Sir Launcelot had 
done for his brother, then he thanked God, and so did his 
brother, that ever they did him any good. But when Sir 
Bliant saw that Sir Launcelot was hurt with the break- 
ing of his chains, then he was sorry that he had bound 
him. “Bind fyim no more,” said Sir Seliaunt, “for he is 
happy and gracious.” Then they made great joy of Sir 
Launcelot, and they bound him no more ; and so he abode 
there half a year and more. And in a morning early Sir 
Launcelot was ware where came a great boar, with many 
hounds nigh him ; but the boar was so big that there 
might no hounds tear him, and the hunters came after 
blowing their horns both on horseback and on foot ; and 
at the last Sir Launcelot was ware where one of them 
alighted and tied his horse to a tree, and leaned his spear 
against the tree. 

So came Sir Launcelot and found the horse bound to a 
tree, and a spear leaning against a tree, and a sword tied 
unto the saddle bow. And then Sir Launcelot leaped in- 
to the saddle, and gat that spear in his hand, and then he 
rode after the boar ; and then Sir Launcelot was ware where 
the boar set his back to a tree, fast by an hermitage. 
Then Sir Launcelot ran at the boar with his spear. And 


86 


The Boy's King Arthur 


therewith the boar turned him nimbly, and rove [gashed] 
out the lungs and the heart of the horse, so that Sit 
Launcelot fell to the earth, and or ever Sir Launcelot 
might get from the horse, the boar rove him on the brawn 
of the thigh, up to the hough bone. And then Sir 
Launcelot was wroth, and up he gat upon his feet, and 
drew his sword, and he smote off the boar’s head at 
one stroke. And therewithal came out the hermit, and 
saw him have such a wound ; then the hermit came to 
Sir Launcelot and bemoaned him, and would have had 
him home unto his hermitage. But when Sir Launcelot 
heard him speak, he was so wroth with his wound that he 
ran upon the hermit to have slain him, and the hermit 
ran away, and when Sir Launcelot might not overget him 
he threw his sword after him, for Sir Launcelot might go 
no farther for bleeding. Then the hermit turned again, 
and asked Sir Launcelot how he was hurt. 

“ Fellow,” said Sir Launcelot, “this boar hath bitten 
me sore.” 

“Then come with me,” said the hermit, “and I shall 
heal you.” 

“Go thy way,” said Sir Launcelot, “and deal not with 

_ »» 

me. 

Then the hermit ran his way, and there he met with a 
good knight with many men. 

“ Sir,” said the hermit, “ here is fast by my place the 
goodliest man that ever I saw, and he is sore wounded with 
a boar, and yet he hath slain the boar. But well I wot 
and he be not holpen, that goodly man shall die of that 
wound, and that were great pity.” 

Then that knight, at the desire of the hermit, gat a 
cart, and in that cart that knight put the boar and Sir 
Launcelot, for Sir Launcelot was so feeble that they 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


8 ? 


might right easily deal with him. And so Sir Launcelot 
was brought unto the hermitage, and there the hermit 
healed him of his wound. But the hermit might not End 
Sir Launcelot’s sustenance, and so he impaired and waxed 
feeble, both of his body and of his wit, for the default ot 
his sustenance, and waxed more wood than he was afore- 
hand. And then, upon a day, Sir Launcelot ran his way 
into the forest ; and by adventure came into the city of 
Corbin, where dame Elaine was. 

And so when he was entered into the town, he ran 
through the town to the castle ; and then all the young 
men of the city ran after Sir Launcelot, and there they 
threw turfs at him, and gave him many sad strokes ; and 
as Sir Launcelot might reach any of them, he threw them 
so that they would never more come in his hands, for of 
some he brake their legs, and some their arms, and so 
fled into the castle. And then came out knights and 
squires for to rescue Sir Launcelot, and when they beheld 
him and looked upon his person, they thought they saw 
never so goodly a man ; and when they saw so many 
wounds upon him, they all deemed that he had been a 
man of worship. And then they ordained clothes unto 
his body, and straw underneath him, and a little house, 
and then every day they would throw him meat, and set 
him drink, but there were few or none that would bring 
meat to his hands. 


88 


The Boy's Kmg Arthur . 


CHAPTER XVII. 

How Sir Launcelot was known by Dame Elaine, and how Hh 

WAS BORNE INTO A CHAMBER, AND AFTER HEALED BY THE HOLY 

Grail. 

S O it befell that King Pelles had a nephew whose name 
was Castor, and he desired of the king his uncle for 
to be made knight ; and so at the request of this Castor, 
the king made him knight at the feast of Candlemas. 

' And when Castor was made knight, that same day he 
gave many gowns ; and so Sir Castor sent for the fool, 
that was Sir Launcelot, and when [Sir Launcelot] saw his 
time, he went into the garden and there laid him down by 
a well and slept. And in the afternoon dame Elaine and 
her maidens went into the garden for to play them ; and 
as they roamed up and down, one of dame Elaine’s maid- 
ens espied where lay a goodly man by the well sleeping, 
and anon showed him to dame Elaine. 

“Peace,” said dame Elaine, “and say no word.” 

And then she brought dame Elaine where he lay. And 
when that she beheld him, anon she fell in remembrance 
of him, and knew him verily for Sir Launcelot, and there- 
withal she fell on weeping so heartily that she sank even 
to the earth. And when she had thus wept a great while, 
then she arose and called her maidens, and said she was 
sick. And so she went out of the garden, and she went 
straight to her father, and there she took him apart by 
himself, and then she said, “ O father, now have I need 
of your help, and but if that ye help me, farewell my 
good days for ever.” 

“ What is that, daughter ? ” said King Pelles. 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


89 


“ Sir,” she said, “ thus is it : in your garden I went for 
to sport, and there by the well I found Sir Launcelot du 
Lake sleeping.” 

“ I may not believe that,” said King Pelles. 

“Sir,” she said, “truly he is there, and me seemeth 
he should be distract out of his wit.” 

“Then hold you still,” said the king, “and let me deal.” 

Then the king called to him such as he most trusted, 
four persons, and dame Elaine his daughter. And when 
they came to the well and beheld Sir Launcelot, anon 
dame Brisen knew him. 

“Sir,” said dame Brisen, “we must be wise how we 
deal with him, for this knight is out of his mind, and if 
we awake him rudely, what he will do we all know not. 
But ye shall abide, and I shall throw such an enchantment 
upon him that he shall not awake within the space of an 
hour.” 

And so she did. Then within a little while after King 
Pelles commanded that all people should avoid [leave], 
that none should be in that way there as the king would 
come. And so when this was done, these four men and 
these ladies laid hand on Sir Launcelot. And so they 
bare him into a tower, and so into the chamber where 
as was the [Holy Grail], and by force Sir Launcelot was 
laid by that holy vessel ; and then there came an holy 
man ana uncovered the vessel, and so by miracle, and by 
virtue of that holy vessel, Sir Launcelot was all healed 
and recovered. And when he was awaked, he groaned, 
and sighed sore, and complained greatly that he was 
passing sore. 

And when Sir Launcelot saw King Pelles and dame 
Elaine, he waxed ashamed, and thus he said, “ O good 
Lord Jesu, how came I here ? for God’s sake, my lord, let 
me wit how I came here.” 


90 


The Boy's King Arthur 


"Sir,” said dame Elaine, "into this country ye came 
like a mad man all out of your wit, and here .ye have been 
kept as a fool, and no creature here knew what ye were 
till that by fortune a maid of mine brought me unto you 
where as ye lay sleeping by a well side, and anon as I 
verily beheld you I knew you ; and then I told my father, 
and so ye were brought before this holy vessel, and by the 
virtue of it thus were ye healed.” 

“ O Jesu, mercy ! ” said Sir Launcelot, "if this be sooth, 
how many be there that know of my woodness ? ” 

" So God me help,” said dame Elaine, " no moe [more] 
but my father and I and dame Brisen.” 

"Now for Christ’s love,” said Sir Launcelot, "keep it 
secret, and let no man know it in the world, for I am 
sore ashamed that I have been thus miscarried, for I 
am banished out of the country of Logris for ever, that is 
for to say the country of England.” 

And so Sir Launcelot lay more than a fortnight, or ever 
that he might stir for soreness. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

Of a Great Tournament in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir Percivai 

FOUGHT WITH HIM ; HOW EACH OF THEM KNEW OTHER, AND OF THEIR 

Great Courtesy, and how his Brother Sir Ector came unto him, 

AND OF THEIR JOY. 

A ND then after this King Pelles with ten knights, and 
dame Elaine and twenty ladies, rode unto the castle 
of Bliant, that stood in an island enclosed in iron, with a 
fair water, deep and large. And when they were there 
Sir Launcelot let call it the Joyous Isle, and there was 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


91 


he called none otherwise but Le Chevalier Mai Fait, the 
knight that hath trespassed. Then Sir Launcelot let make 
him a shield all of sable, and a queen crowned in the 
midst all of silver, and a knight, clean armed, kneeling 
before her ; and every day once, for any mirths that all 
the ladies might make him, he would once every day look 
towards the realm of Logris where King Arthur and 
Queen Guenever were, and then would he fall upcn 
weeping as though his heart should to-brast [ burst to 
pieces\ So it fell that time that Sir Launcelot heard 
of a jousting fast by his castle, within three leagues. 
Then he called unto him a dwarf, and he bade him go 
unto that jousting, “ and, or ever the knights depart, look 
thou make there a cry in the hearing of all the knights, 
that there is one knight in the Joyous Isle, that is the 
castle Bliant, and say that his name is Le Chevalier Mai 
Fait, that will joust against knights that will come ; and 
who that putteth that knight to the worst shall have a 
fair maid and a gerfalcon.” 

So when this cry was made, unto Joyous Isle drew 
knights to the number of five hundred. And wit ye 
well there was never seen in Arthur’s days one knight 
that did so much deeds of arms as Sir Launcelot did three 
days together. For he had the better of all the five hun- 
dred knights, and there was not one slain of them. And 
after that Sir Launcelot made them all a great feast. 
And in the meanwhile came Sir Percival de Galis and 
Sir Ector de Maris under that castle that was called the 
Joyous Isle. And as they beheld that gay castle they 
would have gone to that castle, but they might not for 
the broad water, and bridge could they find none. Then 
they saw on the other side a lady with a sperhawk in her 
hand, and Sir Percival called unto her, and asked that lady 
who was in that castle. 


92 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“ Fair knight,” she said, “ here within this castle is the 
fairest lady in this land, and her name is Elaine. Also 
we have in this castle the fairest knight and the mightiest 
man that is, I dare say, living, and he calleth himself Le 
Chevalier Mai Fait.” 

“ How came he into these marches ? ” said Sir Percival. 

“ Truly,” said the damsel, “ he came into this country 
like a mad man, with dogs and boys chasing him through 
the city of Corbin ; and by the Holy Grail he was brought 
into his wit again, but he will not do battle with no knight 
but by underne [ nine in the morning ] or by noon. And if 
ye list to come into the castle, ye must ride unto the 
further side of the castle, and there shall ye find a vessel 
that will bear you and your horse.” 

Then they departed and came unto the vessel. And 
then Sir Percival alighted and said unto Sir Ector de 
Maris, “ Ye shall abide me here, until I know what manner 
of knight he is, for it were a great shame unto us, inas- 
much as he is but one knight, and we should both do 
battle with him.” 

“ Do as ye list,” said Sir Ector de Maris, “ here shall 
I abide you until that I hear of you again.” 

Then Sir Percival passed the water ; and when he came 
unto the castle gate, he said to the porter, “ Go thou unto 
the good knight within the castle, and tell him that here 
is come an errant knight to joust with him.” 

“ Sir,” said the porter, “ ride ye within the castle, and 
there shall ye find a common place for jousting, that lords 
and ladies may behold you.” 

So anon as Sir Launcelot had warning, he was soon 
ready. And there Sir Percival and Sir Launcelot en- 
countered with such a might, and their spears weie so 
rude, that both the horses and the knights fell to the 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 


93 


ground. And then they avoided their horses, and drew 
out their swords, and hewed away cantels [pieces'] of their 
shields, and hurled together with their shields like two 
wild boars, and either wounded other passing sore. And 
at the last Sir Percival spake first, when they had fought 
more than two hours. 

“Fair knight,” said Sir Percival, “I require thee tell 
me thy name, for I met never with such a knight as ye 
are.” 

“Sir,” said Sir Launcelot, “my name is Le Chevalier 
Mai Fait. Now tell me your name,” said Sir Launcelot, 
“I require you, as ye are a gentle knight.” 

“Truly,” said Sir Percival, “my name is Sir Percival de 
Galis, which is brother unto the good knight Sir Lamorack 
de Galis, and King Pellinore was our father, and Sir Agla- 
val is my brother.” 

“Alas ! ” said Sir Launcelot, “what have I done, to fight 
with you that are a knight of the Round Table, that some 
time was your fellow in King Arthur’s court ? ” 

And therewithal Sir Launcelot kneeled down upon his 
knees, and threw away his shield and his sword from him. 
When Sir Percival saw him do so, he marvelled what he 
meant. And then thus he said, “ Sir knight, whatsoever 
thou be, I require thee upon the high order of knight- 
hood, tell me thy true name.” 

Then he said, “Truly my name is Sir Launcelot du 
I^ake, King Ban’s son of Benoy.” 

“ Alas ! ” said Sir Percival, “ what have I done ! I was 
sent by the queen for to seek you, and so I have sought 
you nigh this two year ; and yonder is Sir Ector de Maris 
your brother abideth me on the other side of the yonder 
water. Now I pray you f* rgive me mine offence that I 
have here done.” 


94 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“ It is soon forgiven/’ said Sir Launcelot. 

Then Sir Percival sent for Sir Ector de Maris. And 
when Sir Launcelot had a sight of him, he ran untc him 
and took him in his arms, and then Sir Ector kneeled 
down and either wept upon other, that all had pity to 
behold them. Then came dame Elaine, and she there 
made them great cheer as might lie in her power ; and 
there she told Sir Ector and Sir Percival how and in what 
manner Sir Launcelot came into that country, and how 
he was healed. And there it was known how long Sir 
Launcelot was with Sir Bliant and with Sir Seliuant, and 
how he first met with them, and how he departed from 
them because of a boar ; and how the hermit healed Sir 
Launcelot of his great wound, and how that he came to 
Corbin. 


CHAPTER XIX. 

How Sir Launcelot with Sir Percival and Sir Ector came to 
the Court, and of their Great Joy of Him. 

S IR,” said Sir Ector, “ I am your own brother, and ye 
are the man in the world that I love most, and, if I 
understood that it were your disworship, ye may right well 
understand that I would never counsel you thereto ; but 
King Arthur and all his knights, and in especial Queen 
Guenever, made such dole and sorrow that it was marvel 
to hear and see. And ye must remember the great 
worship and renown that ye be of, how that ye have 
been more spoken of than any other knight that is now 
living, for there is none that beareth the name now but 
ye and Sir Tristram. Therefore, brother,” said Sir Ector, 
“make you ready to ride unto the court with us, and I 


Of Sir Launcelot du Lake . 


95 


dare well say there was never knight better welcome unto 
the court than ye. And I wot well and can make it 
good,” said Sir Ector, “ it hath cost my lady the queen 
twenty thousand pound the seeking of you.” 

“Well, brother,” said Sir Launcelot, “I will do after 
your counsel and ride with you.” 

So then they took their horses, and made them ready, 
and took their leave of King Pelles and of dame Elaine ; 
and when Sir Launcelot should depart, dame Elaine made 
great sorrow. 

Then they departed, and within five days’ journey they 
came to Camelot, which is called, in English, Winchester. 
And when Sir Launcelot was come among them, the king 
and all the knights made great joy of him ; and there Sii 
Percival de Galis and Sir Ector de Maris began to tell of 
all the adventures, how Sir Launcelot had been out of his 
mind all the time of his absence, how he called himself 
Le Chevalier Mai Fait, as mpch to say the knight that had 
trespassed, and in three days Sir Launcelot smote down 
five hundred knights. And ever as Sir Ector and Sir 
Percival told these tales of Sir Launcelot, Queen Guenever 
wept as she would have died ; then afterward the queen 
made great joy. 

“ O Jesu ! ” said King Arthur, “I marvel for what cause 
ye, Sir Launcelot, went out of your mind ? ” 

“ My lord,” said Sir Launcelot, “ if I did any folly, I 
have found that I sought.” 

And so the king held him still, and spake no more ; but 
all Sir Launcelot’s kin knew for whom he went out of his 
mind. And then there were great feasts made and great 
joy, and many great lords and ladies, when they heard that 
Sir Launcelot was come to the court again, made great 
joy. 


BOOK III. 


OF SIR GARETH OF ORKNEY, 


WHO WAS CALLED BEAUMAINS. 


CHAPTER I. 


How Beaumains came to King Arthur’s Court, and demanded 
Three Petitions of King Arthur. 


HEN Arthur held his Round Table most fully, it 



V V fortuned that he commanded that the high feast of 
Pentecost should be holden at a city and a castle, the 
which in those days was called King-Kenadon, upon the 
sands that marched [bordered] nigh Wales. So ever the 
king had a custom that at the feast of Pentecost, in espe- 
cial afore other feasts in the year, he would not go that 
day to meat until he had heard or seen of a great marvel. 
And for that custom all manner of strange adventures 
came before Arthur as at that feast before all other feasts. 
And so Sir Gawaine, a little tofore noon of the day of 
Pentecost, espied at a window three men upon horseback 
and a dwarf on foot. And so the three men alighted, and 
the dwarf kept their horses, and one of the three men was 
higher than the other twain by a foot and a half. Then 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney. 


97 


Sir Gawaine went unto the king and said, “ Sir, go to your 
meat, for here at hand come strange adventures.” 

So Arthur went unto his meat with many other kings. 
And there were all the knights of the Round Table, save 
those that were prisoners or slain at a recounter. Then 
at the high feast evermore they should be fulfilled the 
whole number of an hundred and fifty, for then was the 
Round Table fully accomplished. Right so came into 
the hall two men well beseen and richly, and upon their 
shoulders there leaned the goodliest young man and the 
fairest that ever they all saw, and he was large and long, 
and broad in the shoulders, and well visaged, and the fair- 
est and the largest handed that ever man saw, but he fared 
as though he might not go nor bear himself but if he 
leaned upon their shoulders. Anon as Arthur saw him, 
there was made peace [silence] and room, and right so they 
went with him unto the high dais, without saying of any 
words. Then this big young man pulled him aback, and 
easily stretched up straight, saying, “ King Arthur, God 
you bless, and all your fair fellowship, and in especial the 
fellowship of the Table Round. And for this cause I am 
come hither, to pray you and require you to give me three 
gifts, and they shall not be unreasonably asked, but that 
ye may worshipfully and honorably grant them me, and to 
you no great hurt nor loss. And as for the first gift I will 
ask now, and the other two gifts I will ask this day twelve- 
month wheresoever ye hold your high feast.” 

“ Now ask,” said Arthur, “ and ye shall have your ask- 
ing.” 

“Now, sir, this is my petition for this feast, that ye will 
give me meat and drink sufficiently for this twelvemonth, 
and at that day I will ask mine other two gifts.” 

“My fair son,” said Arthur, “a3k bet ter, T counsel thee, 


9 8 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


for this is but a simple asking, for my heart giveth me to 
thee greatly that thou art come of men of worship, and 
greatly my conceit faileth me but thou shalt prove a man 
of right great worship.” 

“ Sir,” said he, “ thereof be as it may, I have asked that 
I will ask.” 

“Well,” said the king, “ye shall have meat and drink 
enough, I never defended that none, neither my friend nor 
my foe. But what is thy name I would wit ? ” 

“ I cannot tell you,” said he. 

“That is marvel,” said the king, “that thou knowest 
not thy name, and thou art the goodliest young man that 
ever I saw.” 

Then the king betook him to Sir Kay, the steward, 
and charged him that he should give him of all manner 
of meats and drinks of the best, and also that he had all 
manner of finding as though he were a lord’s son. 

“That shall little need,” said Sir Kay, “to do such cost 
upon him ; for I dare undertake he is a villain born, and 
never will make man, for and he had come of gentlemen 
he would have asked of you horse and armor, but such as 
he is, so he asketh. And since he hath no name, I shall 
give him a name : that shall be Beaumains, that is Fair- 
hands, and into the kitchen I shall bring him, and there 
he shall have fat browis \brotJ{\ every day, that he shall be 
as fat by the twelvemonth’s end as a pork hog.” 

Right so the two men departed, and left him to Sir Kay, 
that scorned him and mocked him. 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 


99 


CHAPTER II. 


How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawain were wroth because Sir 
Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a Damsel which desired a 
Knight for to fight for a Lady. 



HERE AT was Sir Gawaine wroth, and in especial 


-i- Sir Launcelot bade Sir Kay leave his mocking, “for 
I dare lay my head he shall prove a man of great wor- 


ship.” 


“ Let be,” said Sir Kay, “ it may not be, by no reason, 
for as he is, so hath he asked.” 

“ Beware,” said Sir Launcelot ; “ so ye gave the good 
knight Brewnor, Sir Dinadan’s brother, a name, and ye 
called him La Cote Mai Taile, and that turned you to 
anger afterward.” 

“As for that,” said Sir Kay, “this shall never prove 
none such ; for Sir Brewnor desired ever worship, and this 
desireth bread and drink, and broth ; upon pain of my life 
he was fostered up in some abbey, and, howsoever it was, 
they failed meat and drink, and so hither he is come for 
his sustenance.” 

And so Sir Kay bade get him a place and sit down to 
meat, so Beaumains went to the hall door, and set him 
down among boys and lads, and there he eat sadly. And 
then Sir Launcelot after meat bade him come to his 
chamber, and there he should have meat and drink 
enough. And so did Sir Gawaine, but he refused 
them all ; he would do none other but as Sir Kay com- 
manded him, for no proffer. But as touching Sir Gawaine, 
he had reason to proffer him lodging, meat, and drink, for 
that prcffer came of his blood, for he was nearer kin to 


IOO 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


him than he wist. But that Sir Launcelot did was of his 
great gentleness and courtesy. So thus he was put into 
the kitchen, and lay nightly as the boys of the kitchen 
did. And so he endured all that twelvemonth, and never 
displeased man nor child, but always he was meek and 
mild. But ever when he saw any jousting of knights, 
that would he see and he might. And ever Sir Launce- 
lot would give him gold to spend, and clothes, and so did 
Sir Gawaine. And where were any masteries done 
thereat would he be, and there might none cast the bar 
or stone to him by two yards. Then would Sir Kay say, 
“ How like you my boy of the kitchen ? ” So it passed 
on till the feast of Pentecost, and at that time the king 
held it at Carleon, in the most royallest wise that might be, 
like as yearly he did. But the king would eat no meat 
on the Whitsunday till he had heard of some adventure. 
And then came there a squire to the king, and said, “ Sir, 
ye may go to your meat, for here cometh a damsel with 
some strange adventure.” Then was the king glad, and 
set him down. Right so there came in a damsel, and 
saluted the king, and prayed him for succor. 

“ For whom ? ” said the king : “ what is the adventure ? ” 

“ Sir,” said she, “ I have a lady of great worship and 
renown, and she is besieged with a tyrant, so that she 
may not go out of her castle, and because that here in 
your court are called the noblest knights of the world, I 
come unto you and pray you for succor.” 

“ What call ye your lady, and where dwelleth she, and 
who is he and what is his name that hath besieged her ? ” 

“ Sir king,” said she, “as for my lady’s name, that shall 
not be known for me as at this time ; but I let you wit she 
is a lady of great worship, and of great lands. And as 
for the tyrant that besiegeth her and destroyeth her land, 
he is called the Red Knight of the Red Lawns.” 


IOI 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 


“ I know him not,” said the king. 

“ Sir,” said Sir Gawaine, “ I know him well, for he is 
one of the perilous knights of the world ; men say that he 
hath seven men’s strength, and from him I escaped once 
full hard with my life.” 

“ Fair damsel,” said the king, “ there be knights here 
that would do their power to rescue your lady, but because 
ye will not tell her name nor where she dwelleth, therefore 
none of my knights that be here now shall go with you 
by my will.” 

“Then must I speak further,” said the damsel. 


CHAPTER III. 

• How Beaumains desired the Battle, and how it was granted him. 

AND HOW HE DESIRED TO BE MADE KNIGHT OF SlR LAUNCELOT. 

T HEN with these words came before the king Beau^ 
mains, while the damsel was there; and thus he 
said : “ Sir king, God thank you, I have been this twelve 
months in your kitchen, and have had my full sustenance, 
and now I will ask my two gifts that be behind.” 

“Ask upon my peril,” said the king. 

“ Sir, these shall be my two gifts : first, that ye will 
grant me to have this adventure of the damsel, for it 
belongeth to me.” 

“Thou shalt have it,” said the king ; “ I grant it thee.” 

“ Then, sir, this is now the other gift : that ye shall bid 
Sir Launcelot du Lake to make me a knight, for of him I 
will be made knight, and else of none ; and when I am 
passed, I pray you let him ride after me, and make me 
knight when I require him.” 


102 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“ All this shall be done,” said the king. 

“ Fie on thee,” said the damsel ; “ shall I have none 
but one that is your kitchen page?” 

Then was she wroth, and took her horse and departed. 
And with that there came one to Beaumains, and told him 
that his horse and armor was come for him, and there was 
a dwarf come with all things that him needed in the 
richest manner. Thereat all the court had much marvel 
from whence came all that gear. So when he was armed, 
there was none but few so goodly a man as he was. And 
right so he came into the hall, and took his leave of King 
Arthur and of Sir Gawaine, and of Sir Launcelot, and 
prayed him that he would hie after him ; and so departed 
and rode after the damsel. 


CHAPTER IV. 

How Beaumains departed, and how he got of Sir Kay a Spear 
and a Shield, and how he jousted and fought with Sir 
Launcelot. 

B UT there went many after to behold how well he 
was horsed and trapped in cloth of gold, but he had 
^either shield nor spear. Then Sir Kay said openly in 
the hall : “ I will ride after my boy of the kitchen, for to 
wit [know] whether he will know me for his better.” 

Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine said, “Yet abide at 
home.” 

So Sir Kay made him ready, and took his horse and his 
spear, and rode after him. And right as Beaumains over- 
took the damsel, right so came Sir Kay, and said, “ Beau 
mains, what sir, know ye not me ? ” 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 


103 


Then he turned his horse, and knew it was Sir Kay, 
that had done him all the despite as ye have heard afore. 

“Yea,” said Beaumains, “I know you for an ungentle 
knight of the court, and therefore beware of me.” 

Therewith Sir Kay put his spear in the rest and ran 
straight upon him, and Beaumains came as fast upon him 
with his sword in his hand ; and so he put away his spear 
with his sword, and with a foin [feint] thrust him through 
the side, that Sir Kay fell down as he had been dead, and 
he alighted down and took Sir Kay’s shield and his spear, 
and started upon his own horse, and rode his way. All that 
saw Sir Launcelot, and so did the damsel. And then he 
bade his dwarf start upon Sir Kay’s horse, and so he did. 
By that Sir Launcelot was come. Then he proffered Sir 
Launcelot to joust, and either made them ready, and came 
together so fiercely that either bare down other to the 
earth, and sore were they bruised. Then Sir Launcelot 
arose and helped him from his horse. And then Beau- 
mains threw his shield from him, and proffered to fight 
with Sir Launcelot on foot, and so they rushed together 
like boars, tracing, racing, and foining, to the mounte- 
nance [amount] of an hour, and Sir Launcelot felt him so 
big that he marvelled of his strength, for he fought more 
like a giant than a knight, and that his fighting was dura- 
ble and passing perilous. For Sir Launcelot had so much 
ado with him that he dreaded himself to be shamed, and 
said, “ Beaumains, fight not so sore, your quarrel and mine 
is not so great but we may leave off.” 

“ Truly, that is truth,” said Beaumains, “ but it doth me 
good to feel your might, and yet, my lord, I showed not 
the uttermost.” 


104 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER V. 

flow Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his Name, and how hi 

WAS DUBBED KNIGHT OF SlR LAUNCELOT, AND AFTER OVERTOOK THB 

Damsel. 

W ELL,” said Sir Launcelot, “for I promise you by 
the faith of my body I had as much to do as I 
might to save myself from you unshamed, and therefore 
have ye no doubt of none earthly knight.” 

“Hope ye so that I may any while stand a proved 
knight ? ” said Beaumains. 

“Yea,” said Launcelot, “do ye as ye have done, and I 
shall be your warrant.” 

“Then, I pray you,” said Beaumains, “give me the 
order of knighthood.” 

“Then must ye tell me your name,” said Launcelot, 
“and of what kin ye be born.” 

“ Sir, so that ye will not discover me I shall,” said Beau- 
mains. ? 

“Nay,” said Sir Launcelot, “and that I promise you 
by the faith of my body, until it be openly known.” 

“ Then, Sir,” he said, “ my name is Gareth, and brother 
unto Sir Gawaine, of father and mother.” 

“ Ah ! Sir,” said Launcelot, “ I am more gladder of you 
than I was, for ever me thought ye should be of great 
blood, and that ye came not to the court neither for meat 
nor for drink.” 

And then Sir Launcelot gave him the order of knight- 
hood. And then Sir Gareth prayed him for to depart, 
and let him go. So Sir Launcelot departed from him and 
came to Sir Kay, and made him to be borne home upon 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 


105 


his shield, and so he was healed hard with the life, and all 
men scorned Sir Kay, and in especial Sir Gawaine and 
Sir Launcelot said it was not his part to rebuke [any] 
young man, for full little knew he of what birth he is 
come, and for what cause he came to this court. And so 
we leave off Sir Kay and turn we unto Beaumains. When 
he had overtaken the damsel anon she said, “ What dost 
thou here ? thou stinkest all of the kitchen, thy clothes 
be foul of the grease and tallow that thou gainedst in 
King Arthur’s kitchen; weenest thou,” said she, “that I 
allow thee for yonder knight that thou killedst ? Nay truly, 
for thou slewest him unhappily and cowardly, therefore 
return again, kitchen page. I know thee well, for Sir Kay 
named thee Beaumains. What art thou but a turner of 
broaches and a washer of dishes ! ” 

“Damsel,” said Sir Beaumains, “say to me what ye 
list, I will not go from you whatsoever ye say, for I have 
undertaken of King Arthur for to achieve your adventure, 
and l shall finish it to the end, or I shall die therefore.” 

“Fie on thee, kitchen knave. Wilt thou finish mine 
adventure? thou shalt anon be n>et withal, that thou 
wouldest not, for all the broth that ever thou suppest, once 
look him in the face.” 

“ I shall assay,” said Beaumains. So as they thus rode 
in the wood, there came a man flying all that he might. 

“ Whither wilt thou ? said Beaumains. 

“O lord,” said he, “help me, for hereby in a slade 
are six thieves which have taken my lord and bound 
him, and I am afraid lest they will slay him.” 

“ Bring me thither,” said Sir Beaumains. 

And so they rode together till they came there as the 
knight was bound ; and then he rode unto the thieves, and 
struck one at the first stroke to death, and then another, 


io 6 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


and at the third stroke he slew the third thief ; and ther 
the other three fled, and he rode after and overtook them, 
and then those three thieves turned again and hard as- 
sailed Sir Beaumains ; but at the last he slew them ; and 
then returned and unbound the knight. And the knight 
thanked him, and prayed him to ride with him to his castle 
there a little beside, and he should worshipfully reward 
him for his good deeds. 

“ Sir,” said Sir Beaumains, “ I will no reward have ; I 
was this day made knight of the noble Sir Launcelot, and 
therefore I will have no reward, but God reward me. And 
also I must follow this damsel.” 

And when he came nigh her, she bade him ride from 
her, “for thou smellest all of the kitchen. Weenest thou 
that I have joy of thee ? for all this deed that thou hast 
done is but mishappened thee. But thou shalt see a sight 
that shall make thee to turn again, and that lightly.” 


CHAPTER VI. 


How Sir Beaumains fought with the Knight of the Black Lawns, 

AND HE FOUGHT SO LONG WITH HIM THAT THE BLACK KNIGHT FELL 
DOWN AND DIED. 



HEN all the next day] this Beaumains rode with that 


L X lady till even-song time, and ever she chid him and 
would not rest. And then they came to a black lawn, and 
there was a black hawthorn, and thereon hung a black 
banner, and on the other side there hung a black shield, 
and by it stood a black spear and a long, and a great black 
horse covered with silk, and a black stone fast by it. 

There sat a knight all armed in black harness, and hi s 



The Knight of the Black Lawns. 









Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 


107 


name was the Knight of the Black Lawns. When the 
damsel saw the black knight, she bade Sir Beaumains flee 
down the valley, for his horse was not saddled. 

“ I thank you,” said Sir Beaumains, “ for always ye will 
have me a coward.” 

With that the black knight came to the damsel, and 
said, “ Fair damsel, have ye brought this knight from King 
Arthur’s court to be your champion ? ” 

“ Nay, fair knight,” said she, “ this is but a kitchen knave, 
that hath been fed in King Arthur’s kitchen for alms.” 

“ Wherefore cometh he in such array ? ” said the knight : 
“it is great shame that he beareth you company.” 

“ Sir, I cannot be delivered of him,” said the damsel, 
“ for with me he rideth maugre [in spite of] mine head ; 
would to God ye would put him from me, or else to slay 
him if ye may, for he is an unhappy knave, and unhappy 
hath he done to-day through misadventure ; for I saw him 
slay two knights at the passage of the water, and other 
deeds he did before right marvellous, and all through un- 
happiness.” 

“ That marvelleth me,” said the black knight, “ that any 
man the which is of worship will have to do with him.” 

“ Sir, they know him not,” said the damsel, “ and because 
he rideth with me they think he is some man of worship 
born.” 

“That may be,” said the black knight, “howbeit, as ye 
say that he be no man of worship, he is a full likely person, 
and full like to be a strong man ; but thus much shall I 
grant you,” said the black knight, “ I shall put him down 
upon his feet, and his horse and his harness he shall 
leave with me, for it were shame to me to do him any 
more harm.” 

When Sir Beaumains heard him say thus, he said, “ Sii 


io8 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


knight, thou art full liberal of my horse and my harness 
I let thee wit it cost thee nought, and whether it liketh 
thee or not this lawn will I pass, maugre thine head, and 
horse nor harness gettest thou none of me, but if thou 
win them with thy hands ; and therefore let see what thou 
canst do.” 

“ Sayst thou that ? ” said the black knight, “ now yield 
thy lady from thee, for it beseemeth never a kitchen page 
to ride with such a lady.” 

“ Thou liest,” said Beaumains, “lama gentleman born, 
and of more high lineage than thou, and that will I prove 
on thy body.” 

Then in great wrath they departed with their horses, and 
came together as it had been the thunder ; and the black 
knight’s spear brake, and Beaumains thrust him through 
both his sides, and therewith his spear brake, and the 
truncheon left still in his side. But nevertheless the 
black knight drew his sword, and smote many eager 
strokes and of great might, and hurt Beaumains full sore. 
But at the last the black knight within an hour and a half 
he fell down off his horse in a swoon, and there he died. 
And then Beaumains saw him so well horsed and armed, 
then he alighted down, and armed him in his armor, and 
so took his horse, and rode after the damsel. When she 
saw him come nigh, she said, “ Away, kitchen knave, out 
of the wind, for the smell of thy foul clothes grieveth me. 
Alas,” she said, “ that ever such a knave as thou art should 
by mishap slay so good a knight as thou hast done, but all 
this is thine unhappiness. But hereby is one shall pay 
thee all thy payment, and therefore yet I counsel thee, 
flee.” 

“ It may happen me,” said Beaumains, “ to be beaten or 
slain, but I warn you, fair damsel, I will not flee away for 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney. 


109 


him, nor leave your company for all that ye can say ; foi 
ever ye say that they slay me or beat me, but how soever 
it happeneth I escape, and they lie on the ground, and 
therefore it were as good for you to hold you still, than 
thus to rebuke me all day, for away will I not till I feel 
the uttermost of this journey, or else I will be slain or 
truly beaten ; therefore ride on your way, for follow you 
I will, whatsoever happen.” 


CHAPTER VII. 

How the Brother of the Knight that was Slain met with Sir 
Beaumains, and fought with Sir Beaumains, which yielded him 

AT THE LAST. 

T HUS as they rode together they saw a knight come 
driving by them all in green, both his horse and his 
harness, and when he came nigh the damsel he asked 
of her, “ Is that my brother, the black knight, that ye have 
brought with you ? ” 

“ Nay, nay,” said she, “this unhappy kitchen knave hath 
slain your brother through unhappiness.” 

“ Alas ! ” said the green knight, “ that is great pity that 
so noble a knight as he was should so unhappily be slain, 
and namely of a knave’s hand, as ye say he is. Ah, 
traitor ! ” said the green knight, “ thou shalt die for slay- 
ing of my brother ; he was a full noble knight, and his 
name was Sir Periard.” 

“I defy thee,” said Sir Beaumains, “for I let thee to 
wit I slew him knightly, and not shamefully.” 

Therewithal the green knight rode unto an horn that 
was grain, and it hung upon a thorn, and there he blew 


I IO 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


three deadly notes, and there came three damsels that 
lightly armed him. And then took he a great horse, and 
a green shield and a green spear. And then they ran 
together with all their mights, and brake their spears unto 
their hands. And then they drew their swords, and gave 
many sad strokes, and either of them wounded other full 
ill. And at the last at an overthwart Beaumains’ horse 
struck the green knight’s horse upon the side [that] he fell 
to the earth. And then the green knight avoided his horse 
lightly, and dressed him upon foot. That saw Beaumains, 
and therewithal he alighted, and they rushed together like 
two mighty champions a long while, and sore they bl'A 
both. With that came the damsel and said, “ My lord t> e 
green knight, why for shame stand ye so long fightivcj 
with the kitchen knave ? Alas, it is shame that ever 
were made knight, to see such a lad match such a knight 
as the weed overgrew the corn.” 

Therewith the green knight was ashamed, and there 
withal he gave a great stroke of might, and clave hit 
shield through. When Beaumains saw his shield clover 
asunder he was a little ashamed of that stroke, and of hei 
language ; and then he gave him such a buffet upon the 
helm that he fell on his knees ; and so suddenly Beau- 
mains pulled him upon the ground grovelling. And then 
the green knight cried him mercy, and yielded him unto 
Sir Beaumains, and prayed him to slay him not. 

“ All is in vain,” said Beaumains, “ for thou shalt die, 
but if this damsel that came with me pray me to save thy 
life.” 

And therewithal he unlaced his helm, like as he would 
slay him. 

“ Fie upon thee, false kitchen page, I will never pray 
thee to save his life, for I never will be so much in thy 
danger.” 



Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . m 

“ Then shall he die,” said Beaumains. 

“Not so hardy, thou foul knave,” said the damsel, “that 
thou slay him.” 

“ Alas,” said the green knight, “ suffer me not to die, 
for a fair word may save my life. O fair knight,” said the 
green knight, “ save my life, and T will forgive the death 
of my brother, and forever to become thy man, and thirty 
knights that hold of me forever shall do you service.” 

Said the damsel, “That such a kitchen knave should 
have thee and thirty knights’ service ! ” 

“ Sir knight,” said Sir Beaumains, “all this availeth not, 
but if my damsel speak with me for thy life.” 

And therewithal he made resemblance to slay him. 

.“Let be,” said the damsel, “thou knave, slay him not, 
for if thou do, thou shalt repent it.” 

“Damsel,” said Sir Beaumains, ‘.‘your charge is to me 
a pleasure, and at your commandment his life shall be 
saved, and else not.” 

Then he said, “ Sir knight with the green arms, I release 
thee quit [ acquitted ] at this damsel’s request, for I will not 
make her wroth, I will fulfil all that she chargeth me.” 

And then the green knight kneeled down and did him 
homage with his sword. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

How the Damsel always rebuked Sir Beaumains, and would not 

SUFFER HIM TO SIT AT HER TABLE, BUT CALLED HIM KITCHEN PAGE. 

A ND always the damsel rebuked Sir Beaumains. And 
so that night they went unto rest, and all that night 
v be green knight commanded thirty knights privily to 


i 12 


Tht Boy's King Arthur. 


watch Beaumains, for to keep him from all treason. And 
so on the morn they all arose, and heard their mass and 
brake their fast, and then they took their horses and 
rode on their way, and the green knight conveyed them 
through the forest, and there the green knight said, “ My 
lord Beaumains, I and these thirty knights shall be alwa) 
at your summons, both early and late, at your calling, and 
where that ever ye will send us.” 

“It is well said,” said Beaumains; “when that I call 
upon you ye must yield you unto King Arthur and all 
your knights.” 

“ If that ye so command us, we shall be ready at all 
times,” said the green knight. 

“Fie, fie upon thee,” said the damsel, “that any good 
knights should be obedient unto a kitchen knave.” 

So then departed the green knight and the damsel. 
And then she said unto Beaumains, “ Why followest thou 
me, thou kitchen boy, cast away thy shield and thy spear 
and flee away, yet I counsel thee betimes, or thou shalt 
say right soon, Alas ! ” 


CHAPTER IX. 

How Sir Beaumains suffered Great Rebukes of the Damsel, and 

HE SUFFERED IT PATIENTLY. 

D AMSEL,” said Sir Beaumains, “ ye are uncourteous 
so to rebuke me as ye do, for meseemeth I have 
done you great service, and ever ye threaten me for I 
shall be beaten with knights that we meet, but ever for all 
your boast they lie in the dust or in the mire, and there- 
fore I pray you rebuke me no more ; and when ye see me 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 


“3 


beaten or yielden as recreant, then may ye bid me go from 
you shamefully, but first I let you wit I will not depart 
from you, for I were worse than a fool and I would depart 
from you all the while that I win worship.” 

“Well,” said she, “right soon there shall meet a knight 
shall pay thee all thy wages, for he is the most man of 
worship of the world, except King Arthur.” 

“ I will well,” said Beaumains ; “ the more he is of wor- 
ship the more shall be my worship to have ado with him.” 

Then anon they were ware where was before them a 
city rich and fair. And betwixt them and the city a mile 
and a half there was a fair meadow that seemed new 
mown, and therein were many pavilions fair to behold. 

“Lo,” said the damsel, “yonder is a lord that owneth 
yonder city, and his custom is when the weather is fair to 
lie in this meadow to joust and tourney ; and ever there 
be about him five hundred knights and gentlemen of arms, 
and there be all manner of games that any gentleman can 
devise.” 

“That goodly lord,” said Beaumains, “would I fain see.” 

“Thou shalt see him time enough,” said the damsel. 

And so as she rode near she espied the pavilion where 
he was. 

“ Lo,” said she, “ seest thou yonder pavilion, that is all 
of the color of Inde, and all manner of thing that there is 
about, men and women, and horses trapped, shields and 
spears, all of the color of Inde, and his name is Sir Per- 
sant of Inde, the most lordliest knight that ever thou 
lookedest on.” 

“ It may well be,” said Beaumains, “ but be he never so 
stout a knight, in this field I shall abide till that I see him 
under his shield.” 

“Ah, fool,” said she, “thou were better flee betimes.” 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


114 

“Why/* said Beaumains, “and he be such a knight as 
ye make him, he will not set upon me with all his men, or 
with his five hundred knights. For and there come no 
more but one at once, I shall him not fail whilst my life 
lasteth.” 

“Fie, fie,” said the damsel, “that ever such a dirty 
knave should blow such a boast.” 

“ Damsel,” he said, “ ye are to blame so to rebuke me, 
for I had liever do five battles than so to be rebuked ; let 
him come, and then let him do his worst.” 

“ Sir,” she said, “ I marvel what thou art, and of what 
kin thou art come : boldly thou speakest, and boldly thou 
has done, that have I seen : therefore I pray thee save 
thyself and thou mayest, for thy horse and thou have had 
great travail, and I dread we dwell over long from the 
siege, for it is but hence seven mile, and all perilous pass- 
ages we are past, save all only this passage, and here I 
dread me sore lest ye shall catch some hurt, therefore 
I would ye were hence, that ye were not bruised nor hurt 
with this strong knight. But I let you wit this Sir Per- 
sant of Inde is nothing of might nor strength unto the 
knight that laid the siege about my lady.” 

“ As for that,” said Sir Beaumains, “ be it as it may ; 
for since I am come so nigh this knight I will prove his 
might or \ere\ I depart from him, and else I shall be 
shamed and [if] I now withdraw me from him. And 
therefore, damsel, have ye no doubt by the grace of God I 
shall so deal with this knight, that within two hours after 
noon I shall deliver him, and then shall we come to the 
siege by daylight.” 

“Oh, mercy, marvel have I,” said the damsel, “what 
manner a man ye be, for it may never be otherwise but that 
ye be come of a noble blood, for so foul and shamefully did 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 


“5 


never woman rule a knight as I have done you, and ever 
courteously ye have suffered me, and that came never but 
of a gentle blood. ,, 

“ Damsel,” said Beaumains, “ a knight may little do that 
may not suffer a damsel ; for whatsoever ye said unto me 
I took none heed to your words, for the more ye said the 
more ye angered me, and my wrath I wreaked upon them 
that I had ado withal. And therefore all the missaying 
that ye missayed me furthered me in my battle, and caused 
me to think to show and prove myself at the end what I 
was ; for peradventure though I had meat in King Arthur’s 
kitchen, yet I might have had meat enough in other 
places ; but all that I did for to prove my friends ; and 
whether I be a gentleman born or no, fair damsel, I have 
done you gentleman’s service, and peradventure better 
service yet will I do you or [before] I depart from you.” 

“ Alas,” said she, “fair Beaumains, forgive me all that I 
have missaid and misdone against you.” 

“With all my heart,” said Sir Beaumains, “I forgive it 
you, for ye did nothing but as ye ought to do, for all your 
evil words pleased me ; and, damsel,” said Sir Beaumains, 
“ sith [since] it liketh you to speak thus fair to me, wit ye 
well it gladdeth greatly mine heart ; and now meseemeth 
there is no knight living but I am able enough for him.” 


CHAPTER X. 

How Sim Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of Inde, and made 

HIM TO BE YIELDEN. 

W ITH this Sir Persant of Inde had espied them, as 
they hoved [hovered] in the field, and knightly he 
sent to them to know whether he came in war or in peace. 


n6 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


" Say unto thy lord,” said Sir Beaumains, " I take no 
force , 1 but whether as him list 2 himself.” 

So the messenger went again unto Sir Persant, and 
told him all his answer. 

"Well,” said he, "then will I have ado with him to the 
uttermost and so he purveyed him \prepared himself ], 
and rode against him. And when Sir Beaumains saw him, 
he made him ready, and there they met with all the might 
that their horses might run, and brake their spears either 
in three pieces, and their horses rashed so together that 
both their horses fell dead to the earth ; and lightly they 
avoided their horses, and put their shields before them, 
and drew their swords, and gave each other many great 
strokes, that sometime they so hurled together that they 
fell both grovelling on the ground. Thus they fought two 
hours and more, that their shields and their hauberks 
were all forhewen \hewn to pieces ] and in many places they 
were sore wounded. So at the last Sir Beaumains smote 
him through the cost [rib part ] of the body, and then he 
retrayed him [drew back \ here and there, and knightly 
maintained his battle long time. And at the last Sir 
Beaumains smote Sir Persant on the helm that he fell 
grovelling to the earth, and then he leaped overthwart 
[ across ] upon him, and unlaced his helm for to have slain 
him. Then Sir Persant yielded him, and asked him 
mercy. With that came the damsel and prayed him to 
save his life. 

“ I will well,” said Sir Beaumains, “ for it were pity that 
this noble knight should die.” 

“Gramercy,” said Sir Persant, "gentle knight and 
damsel, for certainly now I know well it was you that slew 
the black knight my brother at the blackthorn ; he was a 

1 “ I take no force,” 1 care not. * “ Him list,” he wishes, he pleases. 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 117 

full noble knight, his name was Sir Periard. Also I am 
sure that ye are he that won mine other brother the green 
knight : his name was Sir Pertolope. Also ye won the 
red knight, my brother, Sir Perimones. And now, sir, 
sith ye have won these knights, this shall I do for to please 
you : ye shall have homage and fealty of me, and an hun- 
dred knights to be always at your command, to go and 
ride where ye will command us.” 

And so they went unto Sir Persant’s pavilion, and there 
he drank wine and eat spices. And afterward Sir Per 
sant made him to rest upon a bed till it was supper time, 
and after supper to bed again. And so we leave him there 
till On the morrow. 


CHAPTER XI. 

How the Damsel and Beaumains came to the Siege, and came to 
a Sycamore Tree, and there Beaumains blew a Horn, and then 
the Knight of the Red Lawns came to fight with him. 

N OW leave we the knight and the dwarf, and speak we 
of Beaumains, that all night lay in the hermitage, 
and upon the morn he and the damsel Linet heard their 
mass, and brake their fast. And then they took their 
horses and rode throughout a fair forest, and then they 
came to a plain, and saw where were many pavilions and 
tents, and a fair castle, and there was much smoke and 
great noise. And when they came near the siege Sir 
Beaumains espied upon great trees, as he rode, how there 
hung full goodly armed knights by the neck, and their 
shields about their necks with their swords, and gilt spurs 
upon their heels, and so there hung shamefully nigh forty 


1 1 8 The Boy's King Arthur . 

- rif . _ — ■ ■■ -■-< 

knights with rich arms. Then Sir Beaumains abated his 
countenance', and said, “ What thing meaneth this ? ” 

“ Fair sir,” saith the damsel, “ abate not your cheer for 
all this sight, for ye must encourage yourself, or else ye 
be all shent [ruined], for all these knights came hithei 
unto this siege to rescue my sister dame Lyoness, and 
when the red knight of the red lawns had overcome them, 
he put them to this shameful death, without mercy and 
pity, and in the same wise he will serve you, but if ye quit 
[acquit] you the better.” 

“ Now Jesu defend me,” said Sir Beaumains, “from such 
a villanous death and shenship [ disgrace ] of arms ! for 
rather than thus I should fare withal, I would rather be 
slain manfully in plain battle.” 

“So were ye better,” said the damsel, “trust not in 
him, for in him is no courtesy, but all goeth to the death 
or shameful murder, and that is great pity, for he is a full 
likely man and well made of body, and a full noble knight 
of prowess, and a lord of great lands and possessions.” 

“Truly,” said Sir Beaumains, “he may well be a good 
knight, but he useth shameful customs, and it is great 
marvel that he endureth so long, that none of the noble 
knights of my lord King Arthur’s court have not dealt 
with him.” 

And then they rode unto the ditches, and saw them 
double ditched with full strong walls, and there were 
lodged many great estates and lords nigh the walls, and 
there was great noise of minstrels, and the sea beat upon 
the one side of the walls, where as were many ships and 
mariners’ noise with hale and how. 1 And also there was 
fast by a sycamore tree, and thereon hung an horn, the 
greatest that ever they saw, of an elephant’s bone. 

* “ Hale and how,” haul and ho : the sailors’ cries in hoisting away, &c. 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 119 

“And this knight of the red lawns hath hanged it up 
there, that if there come any errant knight, he must blow 
that horn, and then will he make him ready, and come to 
him to do battle. But sir, I pray you,” said the damsel 
Linet, “ blow ye not the horn till it be high noon, for now 
it is about prime, and now increaseth his might, that, as 
men say, he hath seven men’s strength.” 

“ Ah, fie for shame, fair damsel, say ye never so more 
to me, for, and he were as good a knight as ever was, I 
shall never fail him in his most might, for either I will 
win worship worshipfully, or die knightly in the field.” 

And therewith he spurred his horse straight to the 
sycamore tree and blew the horn so eagerly that all the 
siege and the castle rang thereof. And then there leaped 
out knights out of their tents and pavilions, and they 
within the castle looked over the walls and out at win- 
dows. Then the red knight of the red lawns armed him 
hastily, and two barons set on his spurs upon his heels, 
and all was blood-red, his armor, spear, and shield. And 
an earl buckled his helm upon his head, and then they 
brought him a red spear and a red steed, and so he rode 
into a little vale under the castle, that all that were in the 
castle and at the siege might behold the battle. 


CHAPTER XII. 

How the Two Knights met together, and of their Talking, anb 

HOW THEY BEGAN THEIR BATTLE. 

S IR,” said the damsel Linet unto Sir Beaumains, “look 
ye be glad and light, for yonder is your deadly enemy, 
and at yonder window is my lady my sister, dame Lyoness.” 


120 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“ Where ? ” said Beaumains. 

“Yonder,” said the damsel, and pointed with her finger 

“That is truth,” said Beaumains. “She seemeth afar 
the fairest lady that ever I looked upon, and truly,” he 
said, “ I ask no better quarrel than now for to do battle, 
for truly she shall be my lady, and for her I will fight.” 

And ever he looked up to the window with glad coun- 
tenance. And the lady Lyoness made courtesy to him 
down to the earth, with holding up both her hands. 
With that the red knight of the red lawns called to 
Sir Beaumains, “ Leave, sir knight, thy looking, and 
behold me, I counsel thee, for I warn thee well she is 
my lady, and for her I have done many strong battles.” 

“ If thou have so done,” said Beaumains, “ meseemeth 
it was but waste labor, for she loveth none of thy fellow- 
ship, and thou to love that loveth not thee, is a great folly. 
For if I understood that she were not glad of my coming, 
I would be advised or I did battle for her, but I understand 
by the besieging of this castle she may forbear thy com- 
pany. And therefore wit thou well, thou red knight of 
the red lawns, I love her and will rescue her, or else die 
in the quarrel.” 

“ Sayst thou that ? ” said the red knight ; “ me seemeth 
thou ought of reason to beware by yonder knights that 
thou sawest hang upon yonder great elms.” 

“ Fie, fie, for shame,” said Sir Beaumains, “ that ever 
thou shouldest say or do so evil and such shamefulness, 
for in that thou shamest thyself and the order of knight- 
hood, and thou mayst be sure there will no lady love thee 
that knoweth thy detestable customs. And now thou 
weenest [thinkest] that the sight of these hanged knights 
should fear [scare J me and make me aghast, nay truly not 
so, that shameful sight causeth me to have courage and 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 


121 


hardiness against thee, more than I would have had against 
thee and if thou be a well ruled knight.” 

“Make thee ready,” said the red knight of the red 
lawns, “and talk no longer with me.” 

Then Sir Beaumains bade the damsel go from him, and 
then they put their spears in their rests, and came together 
with all the might they had, and either smote other in 
the midst of their shields, that the paytrels [breast-plates\ 
surcingles, and cruppers burst, and fell both to the ground 
with the reins of their bridles in their hands, and so they 
lay a great while sore astonied, and all they that were in the 
castle and at the siege wend [thought] their necks had been 
broken, and then many a stranger and other said that the 
strange knight was a big man and a noble jouster, “for 
or [ere] now we saw never no knight match the red knight 
of the red lawns ; ” thus they said both within the castle 
and without. Then they lightly avoided their horses and 
put their shields afore them, and drew their swords and 
ran together like two fierce lions, and either gave other 
such buffets upon their helms that they reeled both back- 
ward two strides ; and then they recovered both, and 
hewed great pieces from their harness and their shields 
that a great part fell in the fields. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

How after Long Fighting Beaumains overcame the Knight, and 

WOULD HAVE SLAIN HIM, BUT AT THE REQUEST OF THE LORDS HB 

saved his Life, and made him to yield him to the Lady. 

A ND then thus they fought till it was past noon and 
never would stint till at last they lacked wind both, 
and then they stood wagging and scattering, panting, 


122 


The Boy' s King Artnur. 


blowing and bleeding, that all that beheld them for the 
most part wept for pity. So when they had rested them 
a while they went to battle again, tracing, racing, foining 
[feinting], as two boars. And at some time they took 
their run as it had been two rams, and hurtled together 
that sometimes they fell grovelling to the earth ; and at 
sometime they were so amazed that either took other's 
sword instead of his own. 

Thus they endured till even-song time [vespers], that 
there was none that beheld them might know whether was 
like to win the battle ; and their armor was so far hewn 
that men might see their naked sides, and in other places 
they were naked, but ever the naked places they did de- 
fend. And the red knight was a wily knight of war, and 
his wily fighting taught Sir Beaumains to be wise ; but 
he abought [paid for] it full sore ere he did espy his fight 
ing. And thus by assent of them both, they grantee 
either other to rest ; and so they set them down upon twe 
mole-hills there beside the fighting place, and either oi 
them unlaced his helm, and took the cold wind, for either 
of their pages was fast by them, to come when they callea 
to unlace their harness and to set it on again at their 
command. And then when Sir Beaumains' helm was off, 
he looked up unto the window, and there he saw the fair 
lady dame Lyoness. And she made to him such counte- 
nance that his heart was light and joyful. And therewith 
he started up suddenly, and bade the red knight make 
him ready to do the battle to the uttermost. 

“ I will well,” said the red knight. 

And then they laced up their helms, and their pages 
avoided [got out of the way], and they stepped together 
and fought freshly. But the red knight of the red lawns 
awaited him, and at an overthwart [< crosswise ] smote him 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 


123 


within the hand, that his sword fell out ol his hand ; 
and yet he gave him another buffet on the helm that he 
fell grovelling to the earth, and the red knight fell over 
him for to hold him down. 

Then cried the maiden Linet on high, “ O Sir Beau* 
mains, where is thy courage become ! Alas, my lady my 
sister beholdeth thee, and she sobbeth and weepeth, that 
maketh mine heart heavy.” 

When Sir Beaumains heard her say so, he started up 
with a great might and gat him upon his feet, and lightly 
he leaped to his sword and griped it in his hand, and 
doubled his pace unto the red knight, and there they 
fought a new battle together. But Sir Beaumains then 
doubled his strokes, and smote so thick that he smote 
the sword out of his hand, and then he smote him upon 
the helm- that he fell to the earth, and Sir Beaumains fell 
upon him, and unlaced his helm to have slain him ; and 
then he yielded him and asked mercy, and said with a 
loud voice, “ O noble knight, I yield me to thy mercy.” 

Then Sir Beaumains bethought him upon the knights 
that he had made to be hanged shamefully, and then he 
said, “ I may not with my worship save thy life, for the 
shameful deaths thou hast caused many full good knights 
to die.” 

“Sir,” said the red knight of the red lawns, “hold your 
hand, and ye shall know the causes why I put them to so 
shameful a death.” 

“ Say on,” said Sir Beaumains. 

“ Sir, I loved once a lady, a fair damsel, and she had 
her brother slain, and she said it was Sir Launcelot du 
Lake, or else Sir Gawaine, and she prayed me as that I 
loved her heartily that I would make her a promise by 
the faith of my knighthood for to labor daily in arms 


124 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


until I met with one of them, and all that I might over- 
come I should put them unto a villanous death ; and this 
is the cause that I have put all these knights to death, 
and so I ensured her to do all the villany unto King 
Arthur’s knights, and that I should take vengeance upon 
all these knights. And, sir, now I will thee tell that 
every day my strength increaseth till noon, and all this 
cime have I seven men’s strength.” 


CHAPTER XIV. 

How the Knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him to 
go unto King Arthur’s Court, and to cry Sir Launcelot Mercy. 

T HEN came there many earls, and barons, and noble 
knights, and prayed that knight to save his life, and 
take him to your prisoner : and all they fell upon their 
knees and prayed him of mercy, and that he would save 
his life, and, “ Sir,” they all said, “ it were fairer of him to 
take homage and fealty, and let him hold his lands of you, 
than for to slay him : by his death ye shall have none 
advantage, and his misdeeds that be done may not be 
undone; and therefore he shall make amends to all 
parties, and we all will become your men, and do you 
homage and fealty.” 

“ Fair lords,” said Beaumains, “wit you well I am full 
loth to slay this knight, nevertheless he hath done passing 
ill and shamefully. But insomuch all that he did was at a 
lady’s request, I blame him the less, and so for your sake 
I will release him, that he shall have his life upon this 
covenant, that he go within the castle and yield him 
there to the lady, and if she will forgive and quit [acquit] 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney. 


I2 5 


him, I will well ; with this that he make her amends of 
all the trespass he hath done against her and her lands. 
And also, when that is done, that ye go unto the court of 
King Arthur, and there that ye ask Sir Launcelot mercy, 
and Sir Gawaine, for the evil will ye have had against 
them.” 

“ Sir,” said the red knight of the red lawns, “ all this 
will I do as ye command, and certain assurance and 
sureties ye shall have.” 

And so then when the assurance was made, he made 
his homage and fealty, and all those earls and barons with 
him. And then the maiden Linet came to Sir Beaumains 
and unarmed him, and searched his wounds, and stinted 
his blood, and in likewise she did to the red knight of 
the red lawns. And so they sojourned ten days in their 
tents. And the red knight made his lords and servants 
to do all the pleasure that they might unto Sir Beaumains. 

And within a while after, the red knight of the red 
lawns went unto the castle and put him in the lady 
Lyoness’ grace, and so she received him upon sufficient 
sureties, and all her hurts were well restored of all that 
she could complain. And then he departed and went 
unto the court of King Arthur, and there openly the red 
knight of the red lawns put him in the mercy of Sir 
Launcelot and Sir Gawaine, and there he told openly 
how he was overcome, and by whom, and also he told of 
all the battles, from the beginning to the ending. 

“ Jesus, mercy,” said King Arthur and Sir Gawaine, 
“ we marvel much of what blood he is come, for he is a 
full noble knight.” 

“Have ye no marvel,” said Sir Launcelot, “for ye shall 
right well wit that he is come of a full noble blood, and, 
as for his might and hardiness, there be but few now living 
that is so mighty as he is and so noble of prowess.” 


126 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“ It seemeth by you,” said King Arthur, “ that ye know 
his name, and from whence he is come, and of what blood 
he is.” 

“I suppose I do so,” said Sir Launcelot, “or else I 
would not have given him the order of knighthood ; but 
he gave me at that time such charge that I should never 
discover him until he required me, or else it be known 
openly by some other.” 

Now return we unto Sir Beaumains, which desired of 
the damsel Linet that he might see her sister his lady. 

“Sir,” said she, “I would fain ye saw her.” 

Then Sir Beaumains armed him at all points, and took 
his horse and his spear, and rode straight to the castle. 
And when he came to the gate, he found there many 
men armed, that pulled up the drawbridge and drew the 
port close. Then marvelled he why they would not suffer 
him to enter in. And then he looked up to the window, 
and there he saw the fair lady dame Lyoness, that said 
on high : “ Go thy way, Sir Beaumains, for as yet thou 
shalt not wholly have my love, until the time thou be 
called one of the number of the worthy knights ; and 
therefore go and labor in arms worshipfully these twelve 
months, and then ye shall hear new tidings ; and perd£ 
[per dieu y truly'] a twelvemonth will be soon gone, and 
trust you me, fair knight, I shall be true unto you, and 
shall never betray you, but unto my death I shall love 
you and none other.” 

And therewithal she turned her from the window. And 
Sir Beaumains rode away from the castle in making great 
moan and sorrow ; and so he rode here and there, and 
wist not whither he rode, till it was dark night ; and then 
it happened him to come to a poor man’s house, and there 
he was harbored all that night. But Sir Beaumains could 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney. 


127 


have no rest, but wallowed and writhed for the love of the 
lady of the castle. And so on the morrow he took his 
horse and his armor, and rode till it was noon ; and then 
he came unto a broad water, and thereby was a great lodge, 
and there he alighted to sleep, and laid his head upon his 
shield, and betook his horse to the dwarf, and commanded 
him to watch all night. 

Now turn we to the lady of the castle, that thought 
much upon Sir Beaumains ; and then she called unto her 
Sir Gringamor her brother, and prayed him in all manner, 
as he loved her heartily, that he would ride after Sir Beau- 
mains, “and ever have him in await \look after him] till 
that ye may find him sleeping, for I am sure in his heavi- 
ness he will alight down in some place and lie down to 
sleep, and- therefore have your watch upon him, and, in 
the priviest wise [. softest way ] that ye can, take his dwarf 
from him, and go your way with him as fast as ever ye 
may or Sir Beaumains awake; for my sister Linet hath 
showed me that the dwarf can tell of what kindred he is 
come, and what his right name is ; and in the meanwhile 
I and my sister will ride to your castle to await when ye 
shall bring with you this dwarf, and then when ye have 
brought him to your castle, I will have him in examination 
myself ; unto the time I know what his right name is, and 
of what kindred he is come, shall I never be merry at my 
heart.” 

“Sister,” said Sir Gringamor, “all this shall be done 
after your intent.” And so he rode all the other day and 
the night till that he found Sir Beaumains lying by a 
water, and his head upon his shield, for to sleep. And 
then when he saw Sir Beaumains fast on sleep, he came 
stilly stalking behind the dwarf, and plucked him fast 
under his arm, and so he rode away with him as fast as 


128 


The Boys King Arthur . 


ever he might unto his own castle. But ever as he rode 
with the dwarf toward his castle, he cried unto his lord 
and prayed him of help. And therewith awoke Sir Beau- 
mains, and up he leaped lightly, and saw where Sir Grin- 
gamor rode his way with the dwarf, and so Sir Gringamor 
rode out of his sight. 


CHAPTER XV. 

How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains, came to the Pres- 
ence of his Lady, and how they took Acquaintance, and of 
their Love. 

T HEN Sir Beaumains put on his helm anon, and 
buckled his shield, and t6ok his horse and rode after 
him all that ever he might ride, through marshes and fields 
and great dales, that many times his horse and he plunged 
over the head in deep mires, for he knew not the way, but 
he took the next [nearest] way in that woodness [ madness ] 
that many times he was like to perish. [And so he came 
following his dwarf to Sir Gringamor’s castle. But afore- 
time the lady Lyoness had come and had the dwarf in 
examination ; and the dwarf had told the lady how that 
Sir Beaumains was the son of a king, and how his mother 
was sister to King Arthur, and how his right name was 
Sir Gareth of Orkney.] 

And as they sat thus talking, there came Sir Beaumains 
at the gate with an angry countenance, and his sword 
drawn in his hand, and cried aloud that all the castle 
might hear it, saying, “Thou traitor, Sir Gringamor, 
deliver me my dwarf again, or by the faith that I owe to 
the order of knighthood, I shall do thee all the harm that 
1 can.” 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 


129 


Then Sir Gringamor looked out at a window, and said, 
“ Sir Gareth of Orkney, leave thy boasting words, for 
thou gettest not thy dwarf again.” 

“Thou coward knight,” said Sir Gareth, “bring him 
with thee, and come and do battle with me, and win him, 
and take him.” 

“ So will I do,” said Sir Gringamor, “ and me list [if it 
please me], but for all thy great words thou gettest him 
not.” 

“Ah, fair brother,” said dame Lyoness, “I would he 
had his dwarf again, for I would not he were wroth, for 
now he hath told me all my desire I will no longer keep 
the dwarf. And also, brother, he hath done much for me, 
and delivered me from the red knight of the red lawns, 
and therefore, brother, I owe him my service afore all 
knights living ; and wit ye well I love him above all other 
knights, and full fain would I speak with him, but in no 
wise I would he wist what I were, but that I were another 
strange lady.” 

“Well,” said Sir Gringamor, “sith [since] that I know 
your will, I will now obey unto him.” 

And therewithal he went down unto Sir Gareth, and 
said, “ Sir, I cry you mercy, and all that I have misdone 
against your person I will amend it at your own will, and 
therefore I pray you that you will alight, and take such 
cheer as I can make you here in this castle.” 

“ Shall I then have my dwarf again ? ” said Sir Gareth. 

“Yea, sir, and all the pleasure that I can make you, for 
as soon as your dwarf told me what ye were and of what 
blood that ye are come, and what noble deeds ye have 
done in these marches [borders], then I repent me of 
my deeds.” 

And then Sir Gareth alighted down from his horse, 
and therewith came his dwarf and took his horse. 


13 ° 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“ O my fellow,” said Sir Gareth, “ I have had many evil 
adventures for thy sake.” 

And so Sir Gringamor took him by the hand, and led 
him into the hall, and there was Sir Gringamor’ s wife. 

And then there came forth into the hall dame Lyoness 
arrayed like a princess, and there she made him passing 
good cheer, and he her again. And they had goodly 
language and lovely countenance together. And Sir 
Gareth many times thought in himself, “ Would to God 
that the lady of the Castle Perilous were so fair as she 
; p ! ” There were all manner of games and plays, both of 
dancing and leaping ; and ever the more Sir Gareth beheld 
the lady, the more he loved her, and so he burned in love 
that he was past himself in his understanding. And forth 
toward night they went to supper, and Sir Gareth might 
not eat, for his love was so hot that he wist not where he 
was. All these looks Sir Gringamor espied, and after 
supper he called his sister dame Lyoness unto a chamber, 
and said : “ Fair sister, I have well espied your countenance 
between you and this knight, and I will, sister, that ye wit 
that he is a full noble knight, and if ye can make him to 
abide here, I will do to him all the pleasure that I can, for 
and ye were better than ye be, ye were well bestowed upon 
him.” 

“Fair brother,” said dame Lyoness, “ I understand well 
that the knight is good, and come he is of a noble house ; 
notwithstanding I will assay him better, for he hath had 
great labor for my love, and hath passed many a dangerous 
passage.” 

Right so Sir Gringamor went unto Sir Gareth, and 
said : “ Sir, make ye good cheer ; for wist [know] ye well 
that she loveth you as well as ye do her, and better if 
better may be.” 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 131 

“ And I wist that,” said Sir Gareth, “ there lived not a 
gladder man than I would be.” 

" Upon my worship,” said Sir Gringamor, “ trust unto 
my promise ; and as long as it liketh you ye shall sojourn 
with me, and this lady shall be with us daily and nightly 
to make you all the cheer that she can.” 

“I will well,” said Sir Gareth, “for I have promised to 
be nigh this country this twelvemonth. And well I am 
sure King Arthur and other noble knights will find me 
where that I am within this twelvemonth. For I shall be 
sought and found, if that I be on live.” 

And then the noble knight Sir Gareth went unto the 
dame Lyoness, which he then much loved, and kissed her 
many times, and either made great joy of other. And 
there she promised him her love, certainly to love him 
and none other the days of her life. Then this lady, dame 
Lyoness, by the assent of her brother, told Sir Gareth all 
the truth what she was, and how she was the same lady 
that he did battle for, and how she was lady of the Castle 
Perilous. And there she told him how she caused her 
brother to take away his dwarf, “For this cause, to know 
the certainty what was your name, and of what kin ye 
were come.” 

And then she let fetch before him Linet the damsel, 
which had ridden with him many dreary ways. Then was 
Sir Gareth more gladder than he was tofore. And then 
they troth plight 1 each other to love, and never to fail 
while their life lasted. 

1 “ Troth,” truth, and “ plight,” wove : “ troth plight,” wove Mr truth together 


132 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER XVI. 


How at the Feast of Pentecost all the Knights that Sir Gareth 

HAD OVERCOME CAME AND YIELDED THEM UNTO KlNG ARTHUR. 

OW leave we off Sir Gareth there with Sir Gringamor 



1 ^1 and his sisters, and return we unto King Arthur, that 
at the next feast of Pentecost held his feast, and there 
came the green knight with fifty knights, and they all 
yielded them unto King Arthur. And after there came 
the red knight his brother, and yielded him to King 
Arthur, and threescore knights with him. Also there 
came the blue knight, that was brother unto the other 
two, with an hundred knights, and they all yielded them 
unto King Arthur. The green knight’s name was Sir 
Pertolope, and the red knight’s name was Sir Perimones, 
and the blue knight’s name was Sir Persant of Inde. 
These three brethren told King Arthur how they were 
overcome by a knight that a damsel had with her, and 
called him Sir Beaumains. Said the king, “ I marvel what 
knight he is, and of what lineage he is come ; he was with 
me a twelvemonth, and poorly and shamefully he was 
fostered, and Sir Kay in scorn named him Beaumains.” 

Right as King Arthur stood so talking with these three 
brethren, there came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told the 
king that there was come a goodly lord with five hundred 
knights. Then the king went out of Carleon, for there 
was the feast, and there came to him this lord, which 
saluted the king in a good manner. 

“ What is your will?” said King Arthur, “and what is 
your errand ? ” 


" Sir,” said he, “ I am called the red knight of the red 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 


*33 


lawns, but my name is Sir Ironside ; and, sir, ye shall wit 
that here I am sent to you of a knight which is called Sir 
Beaumains, for he won me in plain battle, hand for hand, 
and so did never no knight but he this thirty winters, and 
he charged and commanded me to yield me unto your 
grace and will.” 

“Ye are welcome,” said the king, “for ye have been 
long a great foe to me and to my court, and now I trust 
to God I shall so entreat you that ye shall be my friend.” 

“ Sir, both I and these five hundred knights shall alway 
be at your command, to do you service as much as lieth in 
our power.” 

“ Mercy !”” said King Arthur, “I am much beholding 
\obliged\ unto that knight, that hath so put his body in 
devoir to worship 1 me and my court. Ironside, that art 
called the red knight of the red lawns, thou art called a 
precious knight ; if thou wilt hold of me I shall worship 1 
thee and make thee knight of the Round Table, but then 
thou must be no more a murderer.” 

“Sir, as to that I have promised unto Sir Beaumains 
never more to use such customs, for all the shameful 
customs that I used I did at the request of a lady that I 
loved ; and therefore I must go unto Sir Launcelot, and 
unto Sir Gawaine, and ask them forgiveness of the evil 
will I had unto them, for all that I put to death was all 
only for the love of Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine.” 

“ They be here now,” said the king, “ afore thee, now 
may ye say to them what ye will.” 

And then he kneeled down unto Sir Launcelot and 
to Sir Gawaine, and prayed them of forgiveness of his 
enmity that ever he had against them. 

1 u Worship ” is a contraction of worth-ship , meaning worthiness. “ To 
worship me and my court/’ in King Arthur s pnrase, means to make me and 
my court of more worth-ship s or esteem. among men. 


134 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


Then goodly they said all at once, “ God forgive you, 
and we do, and pray you that ye will tell us where we may 
find Sir Beaumains.” 

“ Fair lords,” said Sir Ironside, “ I cannot tell you, for it 
is full hard to find him, for all such young knights as he is 
one, when they be in their adventures be never abiding in 
one place.” But to say the worship that the red knight 
of the red lawns and Sir Persant and his brothers said of 
Beaumains it was marvel to hear. 

“ Well, my fair lords,” said King Arthur, “ wit you well 
I shall do you honor for the love of Sir Beaumains, and as 
soon as ever I meet with him I shall make you all upon 
one day knights of the Table Round. And as to thee, Sir 
Persant of Inde, thou hast ever been called a full noble 
knight, and so have ever been thy three brethren called. 
But I marvel,” said the king, “that I hear not of the 
black knight your brother, he was a full noble knight.” 

“ Sir,” said Pertolope the green knight, “ Sir Beaumains 
slew him in a rencounter with his spear, his name was Sir 
Pereard.” 

“ That was great pity,” said the king, and so said many 
knights moe [more]. For these four brethren were full 
well known in the court of King Arthur for noble knights, 
for long time they had holden war against the knights of 
the Table Round. Then said Pertolope the green knight 
unto the king : “ At a passage of the water of Mortaise 
there encountered Sir Beaumains with two brethren that 
ever for the most part kept that passage, and they were 
two deadly knights, and there he slew the eldest brother in 
the water, and smote him upon the head such a buffet that 
he fell down in the water and there he was drowned, and 
his name was Gherard le Breusse : and after he slew the 
other brother upon the land, and his name was Sir Arnold 
le Breusse.” 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney. 


*35 


CHAPTER XVII. 

How the Queen of Orkney came to this Feast of Pentecost, and 

INQUIRED OF HER SON SlR GARETH. 

S O then the king and they went to meat, and were 
served in the best manner. And as they sat at the 
meat, there came in the Queen of Orkney, with a great 
number of ladies and knights. And then Sir Gawaine 
and Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris arose and went to her, 
and saluted her upon their knees, and asked her blessing, 
for in the space of fifteen years they had not seen her. 
Then she spake on high to her brother King Arthur, 
“ Where have ye done my young son Sir Gareth ? He 
was here among you a twelvemonth, and ye made a kitchen 
knave of him, which is a great shame to you all. Alas ! 
where have ye done my dear son which was my joy and 
bliss?” 

“Oh, dear mother,” said Sir Gawaine, “I knew him 
not.” 

“Nor I,” said the king, “which me now sore repenteth, 
out God be thanked he is proved a worshipful knight 
as any is now living of his years, and I shall never be 
glad till I may find him.” 

“Ah, brother,” said the Queen of Orkney to King 
Arthur, and to Sir Gawaine, and to her other two sons, 
“ ye did yourself a great shame when ye among you kept 
my son Gareth in the kitchen and fed him like a poor 
hog.” 

“Fair sister,” said King Arthur, “ye shall right well 
wit that I knew him not, no more did Sir Gawaine nor his 
brethren. But sith [since] it is so,” said the king, “that 


136 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


he is thus gone from us all, we must seek a remedy to find 
him. Also, sister, me seemeth ye might have done me to 
wit 1 of his coming, and then if I had not done well to him, 
ye might have blamed me. For when he came to this 
court, he came leaning upon two men’s shoulders, as 
though he might not have gone ; and then he asked me 
three gifts, and one he asked that same day, that was, 
that I would give him meat enough for twelve months. 
And the other two gifts he asked that same day twelve 
months after, and that was that he might have the adven- 
ture of the damsel Linet ; and the third was, that Sir 
Launcelot should make him knight when he desired him ; 
and so I granted him all his desire. And many in this 
court marvelled that he desired his sustenance for twelve 
months, and therefore we deemed many of us that he was 
not come of a noble house.” 

“ Sir,” said the Queen of Orkney to her brother King 
Arthur, “ wit you well that I sent him unto you right well 
armed and horsed, and worshipfully beseen of his body, 
and gold and silver plenty to spend.” 

“It may be,” said the king, ‘‘but thereof saw we none, 
save that same day as he departed from us, knights told 
me that there came a dwarf hither suddenly, and brought 
him armor and a good horse, full well and richly beseen, 
and thereat we had all marvel from whence that riches 
came, that we deemed all that he was come of men of 
worship.” 

“Brother,” said the queen, “all that ye say I believe, 
for ever since he was grown he was marvellously witted : 
and ever he was faithful and true of his promise. But I 
marvel,” said she, “that Sir Kay did mock him and scorn 
him, and gave him that name Beaumains ; yet Sir Kay 

1 “ Done me to wit,” let me knew. 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney. 


137 


named him more righteously than he wend; for I dare 
say, and he be on live, he is as fair an handed man and 
well disposed as any is living.” 

“ Sister,” said King Arthur, “let this language be still, 
and by the grace of God he shall be found and he be within 
these seven realms ; and let all this pass, and be merry, 
for he is proved to be a man of worship, and that is to me 
great joy.” 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

How King Arthur sent for the Lady Lyoness, and how Sir 

Gareth acknowledged that they loved each other to King 

Arthur, and of the Day of their Wedding. 

'T'HEN said Sir Gawaine and his brethren unto King 
Arthur : “ Sir, and ye will give us leave, we will go 
seek our brother.” 

“Nay,” said Sir Launcelot, “that shall not need,” and 
so said Sir Bawdewine of Britain, “for as by our advice 
the king shall send unto dame Lyoness a messenger, and 
pray her that she will come to the king’s court in all 
the haste that she may, and I doubt not but that she will 
come, and then she may give you the best counsel where 
as ye shall find him.” 

“ This is well said of you,” quoth King Arthur. 

So then goodly letters were made, and in all haste a 
messenger was sent forth, that rode both night and day 
till he came to the Castle Perilous. And then the lady 
dame Lyoness was sent for there as she was with Sir 
Gringamor her brother and Sir Gareth. And when she 
understood this message, she bade the messenger to ride 
on his way unto King Arthur, and she would come after 


138 The Boy's King Arthur . 

in all the haste possible. Then when she came to Sir 
Gringamor and Sir Gareth, she told them all how King 
Arthur had sent for her. 

[And then was let cry a tournament at the Castle 
Perilous at the feast of Assumption Day next coming. 
And on that day came knights from England, Wales and 
Scotland, Ireland and Cornwall, and from the out isles, 
and from Britain and many other countries, and tourneyed 
with great honor and pleasure. And when they were all 
healed of their wounds, and King Arthur was returned to 
his court, then dame Lyoness made herself ready as lightly 
as she might, and] came on the morrow with her brother 
Sir Gringamor, and with her forty knights. And when 
she was come, she had all the cheer that might be done, 
both of King Arthur and of many other kings and 
queens. 

Among all these ladies was she named the fairest and 
peerless. Then when Sir Gareth saw her, there were 
many goodly looks and goodly words, that all men of 
worship had joy to behold them. Then came King 
Arthur and many other kings, and Queen Guenever and 
the Queen of Orkney ; and there the king asked his 
nephew Sir Gareth whether he would have the lady to 
his wife. 

“ My lord, wit you well that I love her above all ladies 
living.” 

“Now, fair lady,” said King Arthur unto her, “what 
say ye ? ” 

“ Most noble king,” said dame Lyoness, “ wit you well 
that my lord Sir Gareth is to me more liever [ comparative 
of lief ] to have and weld [ possess ] as my husband, than 
any king or prince christened, and if I may not have him, 
I promise you I will never have none. For, my lord King 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 


139 


Arthur/' said dame Lyoness, “ wit ye well he is my first 
love, and he shall be the last, and if ye will suffer him to 
have his will and free choice, I dare say he will have me.” 

“ That is truth,” said Sir Gareth, “ and I have not you 
and weld you as my wife, there shall never lady nor gentle- 
woman rejoice me.” 

“What, nephew,” said the king, “is the wind in that 
door ? for wit ye well I would not for the stint [loss] of 
my crown to be causer to withdraw your hearts, and I wit 
ye well ye cannot love so well but I shall rather increase 
it than distress. Also ye shall have my love and my 
lordship in the uttermost wise that may lie in my power.” 

And the same wise said Sir Gareth’s mother. Then 
was there made a provision for the day of marriage, and 
by the king’s advice it was provided that it should be at 
Michaelmas following, at King-Kenadon by the seaside, for 
there is a plentiful country. And so it was cried in all 
the places through the realm. And then Sir Gareth sent 
nis summons unto all these knights and ladies that he 
nad won in battle afore, that they should be at his day of 
marriage at King-Kenadon by the sands. And then dame 
Lyoness and the damsel Linet, with Sir Gringamor, rode 
to their castle, and a goodly and a rich ring she gave to 
Sir Gareth, and he gave her another. And King Arthur 
gave her a rich [bracelet] of gold, and so she departed. 
And King Arthur and his fellowship rode toward King- 
Kenadon, and Sir Gareth brought his lady on the way, and 
so came to the king again and rode with him. Oh, the 
great cheer that Sir Launcelot made of Sir Gareth and he 
of him ; for there was never no knight that Sir Gareth loved 
so well as he did Sir Launcelot, and ever for the most 
part he would be in Sir Launcelot’s company ; for after 
Sir Gareth had espied Sir Gawaine’s conditions, he with- 


140 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


drew himself from his brother Sir Gawaine’s fellowship, 
for he was vengeable and unmerciful, and whereas [wher- 
ever] he hated he would be avenged with murder and 
treason, and that hated Sir Gareth. 


CHAPTER XIX. 

Of the Great Royalty and what Officers were made at the 
Feast of Sir Gareth and Dame Lyoness’ Wedding, and of the 
Great Jousting at the same Feast and Wedding. 

S O it drew fast to Michaelmas, and thither came aame 
Lyoness and her sister dame Linet, with Sir Gringa- 
mor their brother with them, for he had the guiding of 
those ladies. And there they were lodged at the devise 
of King Arthur. And on Michaelmas Day the archbishop 
of Canterbury made the wedding between Sir Gareth and 
the lady Lyoness with great solemnity. And King 
Arthur made Sir Gaheris to wed the damsel savage that 
was dame Linet. And King Arthur made Sir Agravaine 
to wed dame Lyoness’ niece, a fair lady, her name was 
dame Laurel. And so when this solemnization was done, 
then there came in the green knight that hight [was 
named ] Sir Pertolope, with thirty knights, and there he 
did homage and fealty unto Sir Gareth, and these knights 
to hold of him for evermore. Also Sir Pertolope said, “ 1 
pray you that at this feast I may be your chamberlain.” 

“With a good will,” said Sir Gareth, “sith it liketh you 
to take so simple an office.” 

Then came in the red knight, with threescore knights 
with him, and did to Sir Gareth homage and fealty, and 
all those knights to hold of him for evermore, and then 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney . 


141 


Sir Perimones prayed Sir Gareth to grant him for to be 
his chief butler at that high feast. 

“I will well,” said Sir Gareth, “that ye have this office, 
and it were better.” 

Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, with an hundred 
knights with him, and there he did homage and fealty 
unto Sir Gareth, and all his knights should do him service 
and hold their lands of him for evermore, and then he 
prayed Sir Gareth to make him the chief sewer 1 at the 
feast. 

“I will well,” said Sir Gareth, “that ye have it, and it 
were better.” 

Then came in the Duke de la Rowse with an hundred 
knights with him, and there he did homage and fealty 
unto Sir Gareth, and so to hold their lands of him for- 
ever ; and he required Sir Gareth that he might serve him 
of the wine that day at the feast. 

“I will well,” said Sir Gareth, “and it were better.” 

Then came in the red knight of the red lawns, that 
was Sir Ironside, and he brought with him three hundred 
knights, and there he did homage and fealty, and all these 
knights to hold their lands of him forever, and then he 
asked Sir Gareth to be his carver. 

“I will well,” said Sir Gareth, “and it please you.” 

Then came into the court thirty ladies, and all they 
seemed widows, and those thirty ladies brought with them 
many fair gentlewomen ; and all they kneeled down at 
once unto King Arthur and to Sir Gareth, and there all 
those ladies told the king how Sir Gareth had delivered 
them from the Dolorous Tower, and slew the brown knight 
without pity ; “ and therefore we and our heirs for ever- 
more will do homage unto Sir Gareth of Orkney.” 

1 “ Sewer : ” the sewer saw the ciishes set on the table, and tasted the*, 
against harm to the master. 


142 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


So then the kings and queens, princes, earls and barons, 
and many bold knights, went unto meat, and well may ye 
wit that there was all manner of meat plenteously, all man- 
ner revels and games, with all manner of minstrelsy that 
was used in those days. Also there was great jousts three 
days. But the king would not suffer Sir Gareth to joust 
because of his new bride ; for the French book saith 
that dame Lyoness desired the king that none that were 
wedded should joust at that feast. So the first day there 
jousted Sir Lamorak de Galis, for he overthrew thirty 
knights, and did passing marvellous deeds of arms. And 
then King Arthur made Sir Persant of Inde and his two 
brethren knights of the Round Table to their lives’ end, 
and gave them great lands. Also the second day there 
jousted Tristram best, and he overthrew forty knights, 
and did there marvellous deeds of arms. 

And there King Arthur made Sir Ironside, that was the 
red knight of the red lawns, a knight of the Round Table 
unto his life’s end, and gave him great lands. The third 
day there jousted Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he over- 
threw fifty knights, and did many marvellous deeds of 
arms, that all men had great wonder of his noble deeds. 
And there King Arthur made the Duke de la Rowse a 
knight of the Round Table to his life’s end, and gave him 
great lands to spend. But when these jousts were done, 
Sir Lamorak and Sir Tristram departed suddenly, and 
would not be known, for the which King Arthur and all 
his court were sore displeased. And so they held the 
feast forty days with great solemnity. And this Sir 
Gareth was a full noble knight, and a well ruled, and 
fair languaged. 

Thus endeth the history of Sir Gareth of Orkney, that 
wedded dame Lyoness of the Castle Perilous. And also 


Of Sir Gareth of Orkney. 


143 


Sir Gaheris wedded her sister dame Linet, that was called 
the damsel savage. And Sir Agravaine wedded dame 
Laurel, a fair lady. And great and mighty lands with 
great riches gave with them the noble King Arthur, that 
royally they might live unto their lives’ end. 


BOOK IV. 


OF SIR TRISTRAM. 


CHAPTER I. 

How Sir Tristram de Lyonesse was born, and how his Mother 

DESIRED THAT HlS NAME SHOULD BE TRISTRAM . 1 

T HERE was a knight that hight Meliodas, and he 
was lord and king of the country of Lyonesse, and 
this King Meliodas was as likely a man as any was at that 
time living. And by fortune he wedded King Mark’s 
sister of Cornwall, whose name was Elizabeth, and she 
was a right fair lady and a good. 

[And it befell on a day that a certain enchantress 
wrought as he rode on hunting, for he was a great hunter, 
and made him chase an hart by himself till that he came 
to an old castle, and there she took him prisoner. Now 
when Queen Elizabeth missed her husband King Meliodas, 
she was nigh out of her wit ; and she took a gentlewoman 
with her and ran far into the forest and took such cold 
that she might not recover. And when she saw] that the 
deep draughts of death took her, that needs she must die 
and depart out of this world [and] there was none other 

1 “ Tristram,” Iron* the French triste, meaning sad. 


*44 


Of Sir Tristram. 


H5 


boot f aid, or hope], she made great moan and sorrow, and 
said unto her gentlewoman : “ When ye see my lord King 
Meliodas, recommend me unto him, and tell him what 
pains I endure for his love, and how I must die here for 
his? sake, and for default of good help, and let him wit 
that I am full sorry to depart out of this world from him, 
therefore pray him to be good friend unto my soul. And 
I charge thee, gentlewoman, that thou beseech my lord 
King Meliodas, that when my son shall be christened 
let him be named Tristram, that is as much to say as 
sorrowful birth.” 

And therewithal this Queen Elizabeth gave up her 
ghost, and died in the same place. Then the gentle- 
woman laid her under the shadow of a great tree. 


CHAPTER II. 


[How the Stepmother of Young Tristram would have poisoned 

HIM, AND HOW HE DELIVERED HER FROM THE FlRE, OF HIS GREAT 

Forgiveness.] 

ND it so happened that after seven years King 



Meliodas took him a second wife, and wedded 
King Howell’s daughter of Brittany. And the new 
queen was jealous of young Tristram in the behalf of 
her own children, and put poison for Tristram to drink. 
But by strange hap her own son drank the poison and 
died. Then again she put poison in some drink for 
Tristram ; and] by fortune the King Meliodas her hus- 
band found the piece [cup] with the wine whereas the 
poison was in, and he, that was most thirsty, took the 
piece for to drink thereof, and as he would have drunken 


146 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


thereof the queen espied him, and then she ran unto him 
and pulled the piece from him suddenly. The king mar- 
velled why she did so, and remembered him how her son 
was suddenly slain with poison. And then he took her 
by the hand, and thus said to her : “ Thou false traitress, 
thou shalt tell me what manner of drink this is, or else I 
shall slay thee.” And therewith he pulled out his sword, 
and swore a great oath that he would slay her but if she 
told him truth. 

“ Ah ! mercy, my lord,” said she, “ and I shall tell you 
all.” 

And then she told him why that she would have slain 
Tristram, because her children should rejoice the land. 

“Well,” said King Meliodas, “therefore shall ye have 
the law.” 

And so she was damned \condemned\ by the assent of 
the barons to be burnt ; and then there was made a great 
fire, and right as she was at the fire for to take her execu- 
tion, young Tristram kneeled down before King Meliodas, 
his father, and besought him to give him a boon. 

“I will well,” said the king. 

Then said young Tristram, “Give me the life of your 
queen, my stepmother.” 

“That is unrightfully asked,” said his father, King 
Meliodas, “ for she would have slain thee with that poison 
and she might have had her will, and for thy sake most is 
my cause that she should die.” 

“Sir,” said Tristram, “as for that I beseech you of your 
mercy that ye will forgive it her, and as for my part, God 
forgive it her, and I do, and so much it liketh your high- 
ness to grant me my boon, for God’s love I pray you hold 
your promise.” 

“ Sith it is so,” said the king, “ I will that ye have her 


Of Sir Tristram . 


H7 


life and give her to you, and go ye to the fire and take 
her, and do with her what ye will.” 

So young Tristram went to the fire, and, by the command 
of the king, delivered her from the death. 

And by the good means of young Tristram he made the 
king and her accord. 


CHAPTER III. 


How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to govern 

HIM NAMED GOUVERNAIL, AND HOW HE LEARNED TO HARP, HAWK. 
AND HUNT. 


ND then [King Meliodas] let ordain a gentleman that 



was well learned and taught ; his name was Gouver- 
nail ; and he sent young Tristram with Gouvernail into 
France, to learn the language, and nurture, and deeds of 
arms. And there was Tristram more than seven years. 
And then when he well could speak the language, and had 
learned all that he might learn in that country, then he 
came home to his father King Meliodas again. And so 
Tristram learned to be an harper passing all other, that 
there was none such called in no country, and so in harp- 
ing and on instruments of music he applied him in his 
youth for to learn. And after as he grew in might and 
strength he laboured ever in hunting and in hawking, so 
that never gentleman more, that ever we heard tell of. 


148 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER IV. 


How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask Truage* of 


Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore. 



HEN it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent to 


J- King Mark of Cornwall for his truage, which Corn- 
wall had paid many winters afore time, and all that time 
King Mark was behind of the truage for seven years. 
And King Mark and his barons gave unto the messenger 
of Ireland this answer, and said that they would none pay, 
and bade the messenger go unto his King Anguish, and 
tell him “ that we will pay him no truage ; but tell your 
lord, and he will always have truage of us of Cornwall, 
bid him send a trusty knight of his land that will fight for 
his right, and we shall find another to defend our right.” 
With this answer the messenger departed into Ireland. 
And when King Anguish understood the answer of the 
messenger, he was wondrous wroth ; and then he called 
unto him Sir Marhaus the good knight that was nobly 
proved, and a knight of the Round Table. And this Sir 
Marhaus was brother unto the queen of Ireland. Then 
the king [prayed Sir Marhaus that he would go and fight 
for his truage of Cornwall]. 

“Sir,” said Sir Marhaus, “wit [know] ye well that I 
shall not be loth to do battle in the right of you and your 
land with the best knight of the Round Table, for I know 
what their deeds be, and for to increase my worship 
[worth-ship] I will right gladly go to this journey for our 
right.” 

So in all haste there was made purveyance for Sir Mar* 


1 « 


Truage,” tribute . 


Of Sir Tristram . 


149 


haus, and so he departed out of Ireland, and arrived up in 
Cornwall, even fast by the castle of Tintagil. And when 
King Mark understood that he was there arrived to fight 
for Ireland, then made King Mark great sorrow. For 
they knew no knight that durst have ado with him. For at 
that time Sir Marhaus was called one of the famousest 
and renowned knights of the world. 

And thus Sir Marhaus abode in the sea, and every day 
he sent unto King Mark for to pay the truage that was 
behind of seven year, or else to find a knight to fight with 
him for the truage. Then they of Cornwall let make 
cries in every place, that what knight would fight for to 
save the truage of Cornwall he should be rewarded so thal 
he should fare the better the term of his life. Then some 
of the barons said to King Mark, and counselled him to 
send to the court of King Arthur for to seek Sir Launce- 
lot du Lake. Then there were some other barons that 
counselled the king not to do so, and said that it was 
labour in vain, because Sir Marhaus was a knight of the 
Round Table, therefore any of them will be loth to have 
ado with other. So the king and all his barons assented 
that it was no boot \kelf] to seek any knight of the 
Round Table. When young Tristram heard of this he 
was wroth and sore ashamed that there durst no knight in 
Cornwall have ado with Sir Marhaus of Ireland. 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


150 


CHAPTER V. 

How Sir Tristram enterprised the Battle to fight for the 
Truage of Cornwall, and how he was made Knight. 

T HEREWITHAL Sir Tristram went unto his father 
King Meliodas, and asked him counsel what was best 
to do for to recover the country of Cornwall for truage. 
“For as me seemeth,” said Sir Tristram, “it were shame 
that Sir Marhaus, the queen’s brother of Ireland, should 
go away, unless that he were not fought withal.” 

“As for that,” said King Meliodas, “wit ye well, my 
son Tristram, that Sir Marhaus is called one of the best 
knights of the world, and knight of the Round Table, and 
therefore I know no knight in this country that is able to 
match with him.” 

“Alas ! ” said Sir Tristram, “that I am not made knight, 
and if Sir Marhaus should thus depart into Ireland, God 
let me never have worship ; and I were made knight I 
sh(/uld match him; and sir,” said Sir Tristram, “I pray 
you to give me leave to ride unto mine uncle King Mark, 
and so ye be not displeased, of King Mark will I be made 
knight.” 

“ I will well,” said King Meliodas, “ that ye be ruled as 
your courage will rule you.” 

And then Sir Tristram thanked his father much, and so 
made him ready to ride into Cornwall. And in the mean 
while there came a messenger with letters of love from 
the daughter of King Faramon of France, unto Sir Tris- 
tram, that were full piteous letters, and in them were 
written many complaints of love. But Sir Tristram had 
no joy of her letters, nor regard unto her. Also she sent 


Of Sir Tristram . 




him a little brachet [- hunting hound\ that was passing 
fair. But when the king’s daughter understood that 
Tristram would not love her, she died for sorrow. So 
this young Sir Tristram rode unto his uncle King Mark 
of Cornwall. And when he came there he heard say that 
there would no knight fight with Sir Marhaus. Then 
went Sir Tristram unto his uncle and said, — 

“ Sir, if ye will give me the order of knighthood I will 
do battle with Sir Marhaus.” 

“What are ye?” said the king, “and from whence be 
ye come ? ” 

“Sir,” said Tristram, “I come from King Meliodas 
that wedded your sister, and a gentleman wit ye well I 

___ a 

am. 

King Mark beheld Sir Tristram, and saw that he was 
but a young man of age, but he was passingly well made 
and big. 

“Fair sir,” said the king, “what is your name, and 
where were ye born ? ” 

“ Sir,” said he again, “ my name is Tristram, and in the 
country of Lyonesse was I born.” 

“Ye say well,” said the king, “and if ye will do this 
battle I shall make you knight.” 

“Therefore I come to you,” said Sir Tristram, “and 
for none other cause.” 

But then King Mark made him knight. And there- 
withal anon as he had made him knight, he sent a mes- 
senger unto Sir Marhaus with letters that said that he 
had found a young knight ready for to take the battle to 
the uttermost. 

“ It may well be,” said Sir Marhaus ; “ but tell unto 
King Mark that I will not fight with no knight but if he 
be of blood royal, that is to say either king’s son or 
queen’s son, bom of a prince or princess.” 


152 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


When King Mark understood that, he sent for Sir 
Tristram de Lyonesse, and told him what was the answer 
of Sir Marhaus. Then said Sir Tristram, — 

“Since he sayeth so, let him wit that I am come of 
father’s side and mother’s side of as noble blood as he is. 
For, sir, now shall ye know that I am King Meliodas’ 
son, born of your own sister dame Elizabeth, that died in 
the forest in the birth of me.” 

“Yea ! ” said King Mark, “ye are welcome fair nephew 
to me.” 

Then in all the haste the king let horse Sir Tristram 
and arm him in the best manner that might be had or 
gotten for gold or silver. And then King Mark sent unto 
Sir Marhaus, and did him to wit [let him know] that a 
better born man than he was himself should fight with him, 
and his name is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, [son of] King 
Meliodas, and born of King Mark’s sister. Then was Sir 
Marhaus glad and blithe that he should fight with such a 
gentleman. And so by the assent of King Mark and 
Sir Marhaus they let ordain that they should fight within 
an island nigh Sir Marhaus’ ships ; and so was young Sir 
Tristram put into a little vessel, both his horse and he, 
and all that to him belonged both for his body and for 
his horse, so that Sir Tristram lacked no manner thing. 
And when King Mark and his barons of Cornwall beheld 
how young Sir Tristram departed with such a carriage 
[that is, carrying himself so bravely ] to fight for the right 
of Cornwall, wit ye well there was neither man nor woman 
of worship but they wept for to see so young a knight 
jeopard himself for their right. 


Of Sir Tristram . 


153 


CHAPTER VI. 


How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for to furnish tot 
Battle with Sir Marhaus. 

OR to make short this tale, that when Sir Tristram 



x was arrived within the island, then he looked to the 
further side, and there he saw at an anchor six ships nigh 
to the land, and under the shadow of the ships, upon the 
land, there hoved \kovered] the noble knight Sir Marhaus 
of Ireland. And then Sir Tristram commanded his ser- 
vant Gouvernail for to bring his horse to the land, and 
dress his harness at all manner of rights. And when 
he had so done, he mounted upon his horse. And when he 
was in his saddle well apparelled, and his shield dressed 
upon his shoulder, Sir Tristram asked Gouvernail, “ Where 
is this knight that I shall have to do withal ? ” 

“ Sir,” said his servant Gouvernail, “ see ye him not ? 
I wend ye had seen him, yonder he hoveth under the 
shadow of his ships upon horseback, and his spear in his 
hand, and his shield upon his shoulder.” 

“It is truth,” said Sir Tristram, “now I see him well 
enough.” 

And then he commanded his servant Gouvernail to go 
again unto his vessel, and commend him “unto mine 
uncle King Mark, and pray him that if I be slain in this 
battle, for to bury my body as him seemeth best, and, as 
for me, let him wit that I will never yield me for no cow- 
ardice, and if I be slain and flee not, then have they lost 
no truage for me. And if so be that I flee or yield me as 
recreant, bid mine uncle never bury me in Christian 
burials, And upon my life,” said Sir Tristram to Gouver- 


154 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


nail, “come thou not nigh this island till thou see me 
overcome or slain, or else that I win yonder knight.” 

And so either departed from other weeping. 


CHAPTER VII. 

flow Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus and finished his 
Battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his Ships. 

A ND then Sir Marhaus perceived Sir Tristram, and 
thus said unto him: “ Young knight Sir Tristram, 
what doest thou here ? Me sore repenteth of thy courage, 
for wit thou well I have matched with the best knights of 
the world, and therefore by my counsel return again to thy 
ship.” 

“ Fair knight and well proved knight,” said Sir Tristram, 
“ thou shalt well wit that I may not forsake thee in this 
quarrel, for I am for thy sake made knight, and thou shalt 
well wit that I am a king’s son born, and such promise 
have I made at mine uncle’s request and mine own seek- 
ing, that I shall fight with thee unto the uttermost, to 
deliver Cornwall from the old truage. Also wit ye well, 
Sir Marhaus, that for ye are called one of the best re- 
nowned knights of the world, and because of that noise 
and fame that ye have, it will do me good to have to do 
with you, for never yet sith [since] that I was born of my 
mother was I proved with a good knight, and also sith I 
have taken the high order of knighthood this day, I am 
right well pleased that I may have to do with so good a 
knight as ye are. And now wit ye well, Sir Marhaus cf 
Ireland, that I cast me to win worship on thy body, I 
trust to God I shall be worshipfully proved upon thy bodv 


Of Sir Tristram. 


i5S 


and for to deliver the country of Cornwall forever from 
all manner of truage from Ireland.” 

And when the good knight Sir Marhaus had heard him 
say what him list, then said he thus again : “Fair knight, 
sith it is so that thou castest thee to win worship on me, 
I let thee wit that no worship maist thou leese [lose] by 
me, if thou mayst stand me three strokes, for I let you 
wit that for my noble deeds, proved and seen, King Ar- 
thur made me knight of the Table Round.” Then they 
began to feuter [place in rest] their spears, and they met 
so fiercely together that they smote either other down 
both horse and all. But Sir Marhaus smote Sir Tristram 
a great wound in the side with his spear, and then they 
avoided their horses, and pulled out their swords, and 
threw their shields afore them, and then they lashed to- 
gether as men than were wild and courageous. And when 
they had stricken so together long, then they left their 
strokes, and foined [i thrust , in feinthig] ; and when they 
saw that that might not prevail them, then they hurtled 
together like rams to bear either other down. Thus they 
fought still more than half a day, and either were wounded 
passing sore, that the blood ran down freshly from them 
upon the ground. By then Sir Tristram waxed more 
fresher than Sir Marhaus, and better winded and bigger, 
and with a mighty stroke he smote Sir Marhaus upon the 
helm such a buffet, that it went through his helm, and 
through the coif of steel, and through the brain-pan, and 
the sword stuck so fast in the helm and in his brain-pan 
that Sir Tristram pulled thrice at his sword or ever he 
might pull it out from his head, and there Marhaus fell 
down on his knees, [and a piece of] the edge of Tristram’s 
sword [was] left in his bram-pan. And suddenly Sir Mar- 
haus rose grovelling, and threw his sword and his shield 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


156 

from him, and so ran to his ships and fled his way, and 
Sir Tristram had ever his shield and his sword. And 
when Sir Tristram saw Sir Marhaus withdraw him, he 
said, “ Ah, sir knight of the Round Table, why withdraw 
est thou thee ; thou doest thyself and thy kin great shame, 
for I am but a young knight, or now I was never proved, 
and rather than I should withdraw me from thee, I had 
rather be hewn in an hundred pieces.” Sir Marhaus an- 
swered no word, but went his way sore groaning. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

How Sir Marhaus, after he was arrived in Ireland, died of the 

STROKE THAT TRISTRAM HAD GIVEN HIM, AND HOW TRISTRAM WAS 
HURT. 

A NON Sir Marhaus and his fellowship departed into 
Ireland. And as soon as he came to the king his 
brother he let search his wounds. And when his head 
was searched, a piece of Sir Tristram’s sword was found 
therein, and might never be had out of his head for no 
surgeons, and so he died of Sir Tristram’s sword, and that 
piece of the sword the queen his sister kept it for ever 
with her, for she thought to be revenged and she might. 

Now turn we again unto Sir Tristram, that was sore 
wounded, and full sore bled, that he might not within a 
little while when he had taken cold scarcely stir him of 
his limbs. And then he set him down softly upon a little 
hill, and bled fast. Then anon came Gouvernail his man 
with his vessel, and the king and his barons came with 
procession, and when he was come to the land, King Mark 
took him in both his arms, and the king and Sir Dinas 


Of Sir Tristram. 


157 


the seneschal led Sir Tristram into the castle of Tintagil, 
and then were his wounds searched in the best manner, 
and laid in bed. And when King Mark saw all his 
wounds, he wept right heartily, and so did all his lords. 

“So God me help,” said King Mark, “I would not for 
all my lands that my nephew died.” 

So Sir Tristram lay there a month and more, and was 
like to have died of the stroke that Sir Marhaus had given 
him first with his spear. For, as the French book saith, 
that spear’s head was envenomed, that Sir Tristram might 
not be whole thereof. Then was King Mark and all his 
barons passing heavy, for they deemed none other but 
that Sir Tristram should not recover. So the king let 
send after all manner of leeches and surgeons, both men 
and women, and there was none that would warrant him 
his life. Then came there a lady, which was a full wise 
lady, and she said plainly unto King Mark and unto Sir 
Tristram and unto all the barons, that he should never 
be whole, but if Sir Tristram went into the same country 
that the venom came from, and in that country should he 
be holpen or else never. When King Mark had well heard 
what the lady said, forthwith he let purvey for Sir Tris- 
tram a fair vessel, and well victualled it, and therein was 
put Sir Tristram and Gouvernail with him, and Sir Tris- 
tram took his harp with him, and so he was put to sea, for 
to sail into Ireland, and so by good fortune he arrived up 
into Ireland even fast by a castle where the king and the 
queen were, and at his arriving he sat and harped in his 
bed a merry lay, such one had they never heard in Ireland 
afore that time. And when it was told the king and the 
queen of such a knight that was such a harper, anon the 
king sent for him, and let search his wound, and then he 
asked him what was his name. He answered and said, — 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


<58 


“I am of the country of Lyonesse, and my name is 
Tramtrist, [and I have] been wounded in a battle as 1 
fought for a lady’s right.” 

“Truly,” said King Anguish, “ye shall have all the 
help in this land that ye may have here. But I let you 
wit in Cornwall I had a great loss as ever had king, for 
there I lost the best knight of the world, his name was 
Marhaus, a full noble knight, and knight of the Table 
Round ; ” and there he told Sir Tristram wherefore Sir 
Marhaus was slain. Sir Tristram made semblant [like] as 
he had been sorry, and better knew he how it was than 
the king. 


CHAPTER IX. 


How Sir Tristram was put to the Keeping of la Belle Isolde 


FOR TO BE HEALED OF HIS WOUND. 



HEN the king for great favor made Tramtrist to 


1- be put in his daughter’s ward and keeping, because 
she was a noble surgeon. And when she had searched 
his wound, she found in the bottom of his wound that 
there was poison, and within a little while she healed him, 
and therefore Tramtrist cast great love to la Belle Isolde, 
for she was at that time the fairest lady of the world, and 
then Sir Tramtrist [taught] her to harp, and she began to 
have a great fantasy unto Sir Tramtrist. And at that 
time Sir Palamides, that was a Saracen, was in that coun- 
try, and was well cherished both of the king and the 
queen, and he proffered her many great gifts, for he loved 
her passing well. And all that espied right well Sir 
Tramtrist, and full well he knew Sir Palamides for a noble 
knight and a mighty man. 


Of Sir Tristram. 


159 


Thus was there great envy between Sir Tramtrist and 
Sir Palamides. Then it befell that King Anguish let cry 
a great joust and a great tournament for a lady which 
was called the lady of the lawns, and she was nigh cousin 
unto the king, and what man that should win her should 
wed her three days after, and have all her lands. This 
cry was made in England, Wales, and Scotland, and also 
in France and in Britain. It befell upon a day la Belle 
Isolde came to Sir Tramtrist and told him of this tour- 
nament. 

“Ah! Tramtrist,” said la Belle Isolde, “why will ye 
not have to do at that tournament ? well I wot Sir Pala- 
mides will be there and do what he may, and therefore, 
Sir Tramtrist, I pray you to be there, for else Sir Pala- 
mides is like to win the degree.” 

“Madam,” said Sir Tramtrist, “as for that he may do 
so, for he is a proved knight, and I am but a young knight 
and late made, and the first battle that I did it mishapped 
me to be sore wounded as ye see. But and I wist \if I 
knew ] that ye would be my better lady, at that tourna- 
ment I will be, so that ye will keep my counsel, and let 
no creature have knowledge that I shall joust but your- 
self, and such as ye will to keep your counsel ; my poor 
person shall I jeopard there for your sake, that perad ven- 
ture Sir Palamides shall know when that I come.” 

“Thereto,” said la Belle Isolde, “do your best, and as 
I can,” said La Belle Isolde, “ I shall purvey horse and 
armor for you at my devise.” 

“As ye will so be it,” said Sir Tramtrist, “I will be at 
your commandment.” 

So at the day of jousts there came Sir Palamides with a 
black shield, and he overthrew many knights, that all the 
people had marvel of him. For he put to the worse Sir 


i6o 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, Bagdemagus, Kay, Dodias le 
Savage, Sagramore le Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and Griflet 
le Fise de Dieu. All these the first day Sir Palamides 
strake down to the earth. And then all manner of knights 
were adread of Sir Palamides, and many called him the 
knight with the black shield. So that day Sir Palamides 
had great worship. Then came King Anguish unto Tram- 
trist and asked him why he would not joust. 

“ Sir,” said he, “ I was but late hurt, and as yet I dare 
not adventure me.” 


CHAPTER X. 


How Sir Tristram won the Degree at a Tournament in Ireland, 

AND THERE MADE PALAMIDES TO BEAR NO HARNESS IN A YEAR. 


ND so on the morn Sir Palamides made him ready to 



xjl come into the field as he did the first day. And 
there he smote down the king with the hundred knights, 
and the king of Scotland. Then had la Belle Isolde 
ordained and well arrayed Sir Tramtrist in white horse 
and harness. And right so she let put him out at a privy 
postern, and so he came into the field as it had been a 
bright angel. And anon Sir Palamides espied him, and 
therewith he feutered [ laid in rest\ a spear unto Sir Tram- 
trist, and he again unto him. And there Sir Tristram 
smote down Sir Palamides unto the earth. And then 
there was a great noise of people : some said Sir Pala- 
mides had a fall, some said the knight with the black 
shield had a fall. And wit you well la Belle Isolde was 
passing glad. And then Sir Gawaine and his fellows nine 
had marvel what knight it might be that had smitten down 


Of Sir Tristram . 


161 

Sir Palamides. Then would there none joust with Tram 
trist, but all that were there forsook him, most and least. 
And when Sir Palamides had received this fall, wit ye well 
he was sore ashamed ; and as privily as he might he with- 
drew him out of the field. All that espied Sir Tristram, 
and lightly he rode after Sir Palamides, and overtook him, 
and bade him turn, for better he would assay him or ever 
he departed. Then Sir Palamides turned him, and either 
lashed at other with their swords. But at the first stroke 
Sir Tristram smote down Palamides, and gave him such a 
stroke upon the head that he fell to the earth. So then 
Tristram bade yield him and do his commandment, or else 
he would slay him. And when Sir Palamides beheld his 
countenance, he dread sore his buffets, so that he granted 
him all his asking. 

“ Well,” said Sir Tristram unto him, “this shall be your 
charge. First, upon pain of your life, that ye forsake my 
lady la Belle Isolde, and in no manner of wise that ye 
draw unto her, and also these twelve months and a day 
that ye bear none armor nor in like wise no harness of 
war. Now promise me this, or here shalt thou die.” 

“Alas!” said Sir Palamides, “now am I for ever 
shamed.” 

And then he swore as Sir Tristram had commanded 
him. Then for great despite and anger, Sir Palamides 
cut off his harness and threw it away. 

And then Sir Tristram rode privily unto the postern 
where la Belle Isolde kept him, and then she made him 
good cheer, and thanked God of his good speed. 


162 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER XI. 


How the Queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her Brother 
Sir Marhaus by his Sword, and in what Jeopardy he was. 


HUS was Sir Tramtrist long there well cherished 



-1 with the king and queen and namely [likewise] with 
la Belle Isolde. So upon a day the queen and la Belle 
Isolde made a bayne \bath\ for Sir Tramtrist, and when he 
was in his bayne, the queen and her daughter la Belle 
Isolde roamed up and down in the chamber, and there 
whiles Gouvernail and Hebes attended upon Tramtrist, 
and the queen beheld his sword whereas it lay upon his 
bed. And then by unhap the queen drew out his sword 
and beheld it a long while, and both they thought it a 
passing fair sword, but within a foot and an half of the 
point there was a great piece broken out of the edge. 
And when the queen espied that gap in the sword, she 
remembered of a piece of a sword that was found in the 
brain-pan of the good knight Sir Marhaus that was her 
brother. 

“ Alas ! ” said she then to her daughter la Belle Isolde. 
“ This is the same traitorous knight that slew my brother 
thine uncle.” 

When la Belle Isolde heard her say so, she was then 
passing sore abashed, for she loved Sir Tramtrist passingly 
well, and right well she knew the cruelness of her mother 
the queen. And so anon therewith the queen went in all 
the haste that she might unto her own chamber, and then 
she sought in a coffer that she had, and there she found 
and took out the piece of the sword that was taken out of 
her brother’s head Sir Marhaus, after that he was dead 


Of Sir Tristram. 163 

And then anon she ran with the same piece of iron unto 
Sir Tramtrist’s sword which lay upon the bed, and so when 
she put the same piece of steel and iron unto the same 
sword, it was then as fit as ever it might be when it was 
first new broken. And so forthwith the queen caught that 
sword fiercely in her hand, and with all her might she ran 
straight unto Tramtrist where he sat in a bayne, and there 
she had run him through had not Sir Hebes gotten her in 
his arms and pulled the sword from her, and else she had 
thrust him through. When she was thus letted of her 
evil will, she ran to King Anguish her husband, and fell 
on her knees before him, saying, “ Oh, my lord and hus- 
band, here have ye in your house that traitor knight that 
slew my brother and your servant, that noble knight Sir 
Marhaus.” 

“ Who is that,” said King Anguish, “ and where is he ? ” 

“Sir,” said she, “it is Sir Tramtrist, the same knight 
that my daughter hath healed.” 

“ Alas ! ” said King Anguish, “ therefore am I right 
heavy, for he is a full noble knight as ever I saw in field, 
but I charge you,” said the king to the queen, “that ye 
have not to do with this knight, but let me deal with 
him.” 

Then the king went into the chamber to Sir Tramtrist, 
that then was gone unto his chamber, and then the king 
found him all armed, ready to mount upon his horse. And 
when the king saw him all ready armed to mount on 
horseback, the king said, “ Nay, Tramtrist, it will not 
avail thee to compare against me. But thus much will I 
do for my worship, and for thy love : in so much as thou 
art within this court, it were no worship for me to slay 
thee, therefore upon this condition I will give thee leave 
to depart from this court in safety, so that thou wilt tell 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


164 

me who is thy father, and what is thy name, and if thou 
slew my brother Sir Marhaus.” 


CHAPTER XII. 

How Sir Tristram departed from King Anguish and la Belli 
Isolde out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall. 

S IR,” said Sir Tristram, “now shall I tell you all the 
truth ; my father’s name is Meliodas, king of Lyonesse, 
and my mother hight Elizabeth, that was sister unto King 
Mark of Cornwall, and my mother died of me in the 
forest, and because thereof she commanded or she died 
that when I were christened that they should name me 
Tristram, and because I would not be known in this 
country, I turned my name, and let call me Tramtrist ; 
and for the truage of Cornwall, I fought for mine uncle’s 
sake, and for the right of Cornwall that ye had possessed 
many years. And wit ye well,” said Tristram unto the 
king, “ I did the battle for the love of mine uncle King 
Mark, and for the love of the country of Cornwall, and 
for to increase mine honor. For that same day that I 
fought with Sir Marhaus I was made knight, and never 
or then did I know battle with no knight, and from me he 
went alive, and left his shield and his sword behind.” 

“ Truly,” said the king, “ I may not say but ye did as a 
knight should, and it was your part to do for your quarrel, 
and to increase your worship as a knight should ; howbeit 
I may not maintain you in this country with my worship, 
unless that I should displease my barons, and my wife, 
and her kin.” 

“ Sir,” said Tristram, “ I thank you of your good lorH 


Of Sir Tristram . 


165 

ship that I have had with you here, and the great good- 
ness my lady your daughter hath showed me, and there- 
fore,” said Sir Tristram, “it may so happen that ye shall 
win more by my life than by my death, for in the parts of 
England it may happen I may do you service at some 
season that ye shall be glad that ever ye showed me your 
good lordship. With more I promise you as I am true 
knight, that in all places I shall be my lady your daugh- 
ter’s servant and knight in right and in wrong, and I shall 
never fail her to do as much as a knight may do. Also I 
beseech your good grace that I may take my leave at my 
lady your daughter, and at all the barons and knights.” 

“ I will well,” said the king. 

Then Sir Tristram went unto la Belle Isolde, and took 
his leave of her. And then he told her all, what he was, 
and how he had changed his name because he would not 
be known, and how a lady told him that he should never 
be whole till he came into this country where the poison 
was made : “ Wherethrough I was near my death, had not 
your ladyship been.” 

“ Oh gentle knight,” said la Belle Isolde, “ full woe am 
I of thy departing, for I saw never man that I owed so 
good will to.” And therewithal she wept heartily. 

“Madam,” said Sir Tristram, “ye shall understand that 
my name is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, and I promise you 
faithfully that I shall be all the days of my life your 
knight.” 

“ Sir, gramercy,” said la Belle Isolde, “ and there again 
I promise you that I shall not be married of this seven 
year but if it be by your assent, and to whom ye will I 
shall be married, him shall I have, if he will have me, if 
ye will consent.” 

And then Sir Tristram gave her a ring, and she gave 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


166 

him another, and therewith he departed from her, leaving 
her making full great moan and lamentation, and he went 
straight unto the court among all the barons, and there he 
took his leave of most and least, and openly among them 
all he said : “ Fair lords, now it is so that I must depart 
from hence, if there be any man here that I have offended 
unto, or that any man be with me grieved, let him com- 
plain here before me or I depart from hence, and I shall 
amend it unto my power. And if there be any that will 
proffer me wrong, or to say of me wrong or shame behind 
my back, say it now or never, and here is my body to 
make it good, body against body.” 

And all they stood still, there was not one that would 
say one word, yet were there some knights which were of 
the queen’s blood and of Sir Marhaus’ blood, but they 
would not meddle with him. 

So Sir Tristram departed and took the sea, and with 
good wind he arrived up at Tintagil in Cornwall. And 
when King Mark was whole and in his prosperity, there 
came tidings that Sir Tristram was arrived and whole of 
his wound, whereof King Mark was passing glad, and so 
were all the barons. And when he saw his time, he rode 
unto his father King Meliodas, and there he had all the 
cheer that the king and the queen could make him. And 
then largely King Meliodas and his queen parted of their 
lands and goods unto Sir Tristram. So then by the 
license [leave] of King Meliodas his father, he returned 
again unto the court of King Mark, and there he lived in 
great joy long time, until at the last there befell a jealousy 
and an unkindness between King Mark and Sir Tristram. 


Of Sir Tristram . 


167 


CHAPTER XIII. 


How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for la Belle Isolde toward 
Ireland, and how by Fortune he arrived into England. 



'HEN King Mark cast always in his heart how he 


-L might destroy Sir Tristram. And then he imagined 
in himself to send Sir Tristram into Ireland for la Belle 
Isolde. For Sir Tristram had so praised her beauty and 
her goodness that King Mark said he would wed her, 
whereupon he prayed Sir Tristram to take his way into 
Ireland for him on message. And all this was done to 
the intent to slay Sir Tristram. Notwithstanding, Sir 
Tristram would not refuse the message for no danger nor 
peril that might fall for the pleasure of his uncle, but to 
go he made him ready in the most goodliest wise that 
might be devised. So Sir Tristram departed and took 
the sea with all his fellowship. And anon as he was in 
the broad sea, a tempest took him and his fellowship and 
drove them back into the coast of England, and there 
they arrived fast by Camelot, and full fain they were to 
take the land. And when they were landed Sir Tristram 
set up his pavilion upon the land of Camelot, and there 
he let hang his shield upon the pavilion. 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


1 68 


CHAPTER XIV. 


How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to com* unto King 
Arthur’s Court for Treason. 


HEN when Sir Tristram was in his rich pavilion, 



X Gouvernail his man came and told him how King 
Anguish of Ireland was come there, and how he was put 
in great distress ; and there Gouvernail told to Sir Tris- 
tram how King Anguish of Ireland was summoned and 
accused of murder. 

“So God me help,” said Sir Tristram, “these be the 
best tidings that ever came to me this seven year, for 
now shall the King of Ireland have need of my help, for 
I dare say there is no knight in this country that is not 
cf King Arthur’s court dare do no battle with Sir Blamor 
de Ganis ; and for to win the love of the king of Ireland, 
I shall take the battle upon me ; and therefore, Gouver- 
nail, I charge thee to bring me to the king.” 

And so Gouvernail went unto King Anguish of Ireland, 
and saluted him fair. The king welcomed him, and asked 
him what he would. 

“Sir,” said Gouvernail, “here is a knight near hand 
which desireth to speak with you ; and he bade me say 
that he would do you service.” 

“What knight is he ? ” said the king. 

“Sir,” said he, “it is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, that 
for the good grace that ye showed unto him in your land, 
he will reward you in this country.” 

“ Come on, good fellow,” said the king, “ with me, and 
show me Sir Tristram.” 

So the king took a little hackney and a little company 


Of Sir Tristram . 


169 


with him, until he came unto Sir Tristram’s pavilion. 
And when Sir Tristram saw King Anguish, he ran unto 
him, and would have holden his stirrup. But anon the 
king leapt lightly from his horse, and either halsed 
[embraced] other in their arms. 

“ My gracious lord,” said Sir Tristram, “gramercy of 
your great goodness that ye showed to me in your 
marches and lands. And at that time I promised you to 
do you service and ever it lay in my power.” 

“Ah, worshipful knight,” said the king unto Sir Tris- 
tram, “ now have I great need of you ; for never had I 
so great need of no knight’s help.” 

“ How so, my good lord ? ” said Sir Tristram. 

“ I shall tell you,” said King Anguish ; “I am sum- 
moned and appealed from my country for the death of a 
knight that was kin unto the good knight Sir Launcelot, 
wherefore Sir Blamor de Ganis, brother to Sir Bleoberis, 
hath appealed me to fight with him, other [or else ] to find 
a knight in my stead. And well I wot,” said the king, 
“ these that are come of King Ban’s blood, as Sir Launce- 
lot and these other, are passing good knights, and hard 
men for to win in battle as any that I know now liv- 
m g. 

“Sir,” said Sir Tristam, “for the good lordship ye 
showed me in Ireland, and for my lady your daughter’s 
sake, la Belle Isolde, I will take the battle for you upon 
this condition that ye shall grant me two things : that one 
is, that ye shall swear to me that ye are in the right, that 
ye were never consenting to the knight’s death ; sir, 
then,” said Sir Tristram, “when that I have done this 
battle, if God give me grace that I speed, that ye shall 
give me a reward, what thing reasonable that I will ask 
of you.” 


170 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“ Truly,” said the king, “ye shall have whatsoever ye 
will ask.” 

“It is well said,” said Sir Tristram. 


CHAPTER XV. 


How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish, and overcame his 
Adversary, and how his Adversary would never yield him. 


HEN were the lists made ready, and Sir Tristram 



X and Sir Blamor de Ganis, in the presence of the 
kings, judges, and knights, feutered \laid in rest\ their 
spears and came together as it had been thunder, and 
there Sir Tristram through great might smote down Sir 
Blamor and his horse to the earth. Then anon Sir 
Blamor avoided his horse, and pulled out his sword and 
threw his shield afore him, and bade Sir Tristram alight ; 
“for though an horse hath failed me, I trust the earth 
will not fail me.” 

And then Sir Tristram alighted and dressed him unto 
battle, and there they lashed together strongly as racing 
and tracing, foining and dashing many sad strokes, that 
the kings and knights had great wonder that they might 
stand, for ever they fought like two wild men, so that 
there were never knights seen fight more fiercely than 
they did ; for Sir Blamor was so hasty that he would have 
no rest, that all men wondered that they had breath to 
stand on their feet ; all the place was bloody that they 
fought in. And at the last Sir Tristram smote Sir Blamor 
such a buffet upon the helm that he fell down upon his 
side, and Sir Tristram stood and beheld him. 

Then when Sir Blamor might speak, he said thus : — 


Of Sir Tristram . 


171 


“ Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, I require thee, as thou art 
a noble knight, and the best knight that ever I found, 
that thou wilt slay me out of hand [straightway], for I had 
liever die with worship than live with shame, and needs, 
Sir Tristram, thou must slay me, or else thou shalt never 
win the field, for I will never say the loth word [of sur- 
render ] ; and therefore, if thou dare slay me, slay me I 
require thee.” 

And when Sir Tristram heard him say so knightly, he 
wist not what to do with him. And then Sir Tristram 
started aback and went to the kings which were judges ; 
and there he kneeled down before them, and besought 
them for their worship, and for King Arthur and Sir 
Launcelot’s sake, that they would take this matter in 
their hands : 

“For fair lords,” said Sir Tristram, “it were shame and 
pity that this noble knight that yonder lieth should be 
slain, for ye may well hear that shamed he will not be, 
and I pray to God that he never be slain nor shamed for 
me. And as for the king for whom I do this battle, I 
shall require him, as I am his true champion and true 
knight in this field, that he will have mercy upon this 
good knight.” 

“So God me help,” said King Anguish to Sir Tristram, 
“I will be ruled for your sake as ye will have me. For I 
know you for my true knight, and therefore I will heartily 
pray the kings that be here as judges for to take it into 
their hands.” 

And then the kings which were judges called Sir 
Bleoberis unto them and demanded his advice. 

“ My lord,” said Sir Bleoberis, “ though that my brother 
be beaten and both the worse through might of arms, I 
dare well say though Sir Tristram hath beaten his body 


172 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


he hath not beaten his heart ; I thank God he is not 
shamed this day. And rather than he should be shamed, 
I require you,” said Sir Bleoberis, “let Sir Tristram slay 
him out of hand immediately ]. ” 

“It shall not be so,” said the kings, “for his adverse 
party, both the king and the champion, hath pity of Sir 
Blamor’s knighthood.” 

“ My lords,” said Sir Bleoberis, “ I will right well as ye 
will.” 

Then the kings called to them the king of Ireland, and 
found him good and treatable [ willing to agree]. And 
then by all their advices Sir Tristram and Sir Bleoberis 
took up Sir Blamor. And the two brethren were ac- 
corded with King Anguish ; and kissed each other and 
were made friends for ever. And then Sir Blamor and 
Sir Tristram kissed each other, and then the two brethren 
made their oaths that they would never fight with Sir 
Tristram. And Sir Tristram made the same oath. And 
for that gentle battle all the blood of Sir Launcelot loved 
Sir Tristram for ever more. Then King Anguish and Sir 
Tristram took their leave and sailed into Ireland with 
great joy and nobleness. So when they were in Ireland, 
the king let make it be known throughout all the land 
how and in what manner Sir Tristram had done for him. 
And then the queen and all the estates that were there 
made as much of him as ever they might make ; but the 
joy that la Belle Isolde made of Sir Tristram, that might 
no tongue tell, for of men living she loved him most. 


Of Sir Tristram. 


173 


CHAPTER XVI. 


How Sir Tristram demanded la Belle Isolde for King Mark, 
and of the Wedding of King Mark to la Belle Isolde. 



'HEN upon a day King Anguish asked Sir Tristram 


JL why he asked not his boon, for whatsoever he had 
promised him he should have it without fail. 

“Sir,” said Sir Tristram, “now is it time, this is all that 
I will desire, that ye will give me la Belle Isolde, your 
daughter, not for myself, but for mine uncle King Mark, 
that shall have her to wife, for so have I promised him.” 

“ Alas,” said the king, “ I had liever than all the land 
that I have ye would wed her yourself.” 

“ Sir, and I did, then were I shamed for ever in this 
world, and false of my promise. Therefore,” said Sir 
Tristram, “ I pray you hold your promise that ye promised 
me, for this is my desire, that ye will give me la Belle 
Isolde to go with me into Cornwall, for to be wedded to 
King Mark mine uncle.” 

“ As for that,” said King Anguish, “ ye shall have her 
with you, to do with her what it please you, that is for 
to say if that ye list to wed her yourself, that is to me 
lievest ; and if ye will give her unto King Mark your 
uncle, that is in your choice.” 

So to make a short conclusion, la Belle Isolde was 
made ready to go with Sir Tristram, and dame Brag- 
waine went with her for her chief gentlewoman, with 
many other. 

And anon they were richly wedded with great noble- 
ness. But ever Sir Tristram and la Belle Isolde loved 
ever together. 


*74 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


Then was there great jousts and great tourneying, and 
many lords and ladies were at that feast, and Sir Tristram 
was most praised of all other. 


CHAPTER XVII. 

How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he sorrowed, 

AND WAS SO LONG IN A FOREST TILL HE WAS OUT OF HIS MlND. 

r '"T^HEN, as time passed by, Sir Tristram grieved sorely 
L 1 in his heart that la Belle Isolde was wedded to 
King Mark, till that he became as a wood man, and 
mounted his horse and rode forth into the forest away 
from Tintagil. So Sir Palamides sent a damsel to inquire 
after Sir Tristram.] 

And she went to the lady of [a certain] castle, and told 
her of the misadventure of Sir Tristram. 

“ Alas,” said the lady of that castle, “where is my lord 
Sir Tristram ? ” 

“ Right here by your castle,” said the damsel. 

“ In good time,” said the lady, “ is he so nigh me : he 
shall have meat and drink of the best, and a harp I have 
of his whereupon he taught me, — for of goodly harping 
he beareth the prize in the world.” 

So this lady and the damsel brought him meat and 
drink, but he eat little thereof. Then upon a night he 
put his horse from him, and then he unlaced his armor, 
and then Sir Tristram would go into the wilderness, and 
burst down the trees and boughs ; and otherwhile, when 
he found the harp that the lady sent him, then would he 
harp and play thereupon and weep together. And some- 
time when Sir Tristram was in the wood, that the lady 





How Sir Tristram soused Sir Dagonet in the Well. 
















, 







Of Sir Tristram. 


175 


wist not where he was, then would she sit her down and 
play upon that harp ; then would Sir Tristram come to that 
harp and hearken thereto, and sometime he would harp 
himself. Thus he there endured a quarter of a year. 
Then at the last he ran his way, and she wist not where 
he was become. And then was he naked, and waxed lean 
and poor of flesh, and so he fell into the fellowship of 
herdmen and shepherds, and daily they would give him 
of their meat and drink. And when he did any shrewd 
deed they would beat him with rods, and so they clipped 
him with shears and made him like a fool. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a Well, and how he slew a 
Giant. 

A ND upon a day Sir Dagonet, King Arthur’s fool, came 
into Cornwall, with two squires with him, and as they 
rode through the forest they came by a fair well where Sir 
Tristram was wont to be, and the weather was hot, and 
they alighted to drink of that well, and in the meanwhile 
their horses brake loose. Right so Sir Tristram came unto 
them, and first he soused Sir Dagonet in that well, and after 
his squires, and thereat laughed the shepherds, and forth- 
withal he ran after their horses, and brought them again 
one by one, and right so, wet as they were, he made them 
leap up and ride their ways. Thus Sir Tristram endured 
here an half year naked, and would never come in town 
nor village. 

And there was a giant in that country that hight 
Tauleas, and for fear of Sir Tristram more than seven 


iy6 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


years he durst not much go out at large, but for the most 
part he kept him in a sure castle of his own. And so this 
Sir Tauleas heard tell that Sir Tristram was dead by the 
noise of the court of King Mark, and then Sir Tauleas 
went daily at large. And so it happened upon a day he 
came to the herdmen wandering and lingering, and there 
he set him down to rest among them. The meanwhile 
there came a knight of Cornwall that led a lady with him, 
and his name was Sir Dinant. And when the giant saw 
him, he went from the herdmen and hid him under a tree. 
And so the knight came to the well, and there he alighted 
to rest him. And as soon as he was from his horse, the 
giant Sir Tauleas came between the knight and his horse, 
and leaped upon him. So forthwith he rode unto Sir 
Dinant, and took him by the collar, and drew him before 
him on his horse, and there would have stricken off his 
head. Then the herdmen said unto Sir Tristram, “ Help 
yonder knight.” 

“Help ye him,” said Sir Tristram. 

“We dare not,” said the herdmen. 

Then Sir Tristram was ware of the sword of the knight 
where it lay, and thither he ran and took up the sword, 
and smote off Sir Tauleas’ head, and so went his way to 
the herdmen again. 


Of Sir Tristram. 


177 


CHAPTER XIX. 


How King Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and made him to bi 
borne Home to Tintagil, and how he was there known by a 
Brachet. 



k HEN the knight took up the giant’s head, and bare 


-L it with him unto King Mark, and told him what 
adventure betid him in the forest, and how a naked man 
rescued him from the grimly giant Tauleas. 

“ Where had ye this adventure ? ” said King Mark. 

“ Forsooth,” said Sir Dinant, “at the fair fountain in 
your forest, where many adventurous knights meet, and 
there is the mad man.” 

“Well,” said King Mark, “I will see that mad man.” 

So within a day or two King Mark commanded his 
knights and his hunters that they should be ready on the 
morrow for to hunt. And on the morrow he went unto 
the forest. And when the king came to the well, he 
found there lying by that well a fair naked man, and a 
sword by him. Then the king blew and screked \called 
shrilly ] and therewith his knights came to him. And 
then the king commanded his knights to take that naked 
man with fairness, “and bring him to my castle.” So 
they did softly and fair, and cast mantles upon Sir Tris- 
tram, and so led him unto Tintagil ; and there they bathed 
him and washed him, and gave him hot suppings, till they 
had brought him well to his remembrance. But all this 
while there was no creature that knew Sir Tristram, nor 
what man he was. So it feli upon a day that the queen 
La Belle Isolde heard of such a man that ran naked in 
the forest, and how the king had brought him home to 


i fie Hoy's King Arthur . 


17s 

the court. Then la Belle Isolde called unto her dame 
Bragwaine, and said, “ Come on with me, for we will go 
see this man that my lord brought from the forest the 
last day.” 

So they passed forth, and asked where was the sick 
man. And then a squire told the queen that he was in 
the garden taking his rest, and reposing him against the 
sun. So when the queen looked upon Sir Tristram she 
was not remembered of [did not remember ] him. But 
ever she said unto dame Bragwaine, “Me seemeth I 
should have seen him heretofore in many places.” 

But as soon as Sir Tristram saw her he knew her well 
enough, and then he turned away his visage and wept. 
Then the queen had always a little brachet with her, that 
Sir Tristram gave her the first time that ever she came 
into Cornwall, and never would that brachet depart from 
her, but if Sir Tristram was nigh there as was la Belle 
Isolde ; and this brachet was sent from the king’s daugh- 
ter of France unto Sir Tristram for great love. And 
anon as this little brachet felt a savor of Sir Tristram, 
she leaped upon him, and licked his learis [cheeks\ and his 
ears, and then she whined and quested, and she smelled 
at his feet and at his hands, and on all parts of his body 
that she might come to. 

“Ah, my lady,” said dame Bragwaine unto la Belle 
Isolde, “ alas, alas ! ” said she, “ I see it is mine own lord 
Sir Tristram.” 

And thereupon Isolde fell down in a sowne [swoon], and 
so lay a great while ; and when she might speak, she said : 
“ My lord Sir Tristram, blessed be God ye have your life, 
and now I am sure ye shall be discovered by this little 
bracnet, for sne will never leave you ; and also I am sure 
that as soon as my lord King Mark shall know you, he 


Of Sir Tristram . 


179 


will banish you out of the country of Cornwall, or else he 
will destroy you. For God’s sake, mine own lord, grant 
King Mark his will, and then draw you unto the court of 
King Arthur, for there are ye beloved.” 

Then la Belle Isolde departed, but the brachet would 
not from him. And therewith came King Mark, and the 
brachet set upon him, and bayed at them all. And there 
with Sir Andret spake and said : “ Sir, this is Sir Tris- 
tram, I see by the brachet.” 

“ Nay,” said the king, “ I cannot suppose that it is he.” 

So the king asked him upon his faith what he was, and 
what was his name. 

“So God help,” said he, “my name is Sir Tristram de 
Lyonesse, and now ye may do with me what ye list.” 

And so, by the advice of them all, Sir Tristram was 
banished out of the country of Cornwall for ten year, 
and thereupon he took his oath. 

And then were many barons brought him into his ship. 
And when Sir Tristram was in the ship, he said thus : 
“ Greet well King Mark and all mine enemies, and tell 
them I will come again when I may. And well I am re- 
warded for the fighting with Sir Marhaus, and delivering 
all the country from servage \subjection\ And well I am 
rewarded for the fetching and costs of la Belle Isolde out 
of Ireland, and the danger that I was in first and last, and 
by the way coming home what danger I had to bring 
again Queen Isolde from the castle. And well I am re- 
warded when I fought with Sir Bleoberis for Sir Seg- 
warides’ wife. And well am I rewarded when I fought 
with Sir Blamor de Ganis for King Anguish, father unto 
la Belle Isolde. And well am I rewarded when I smote 
down the good knight Sir Lamorake de Galis at King 
Mark’s request. And well am I rewarded when I fought 


i8o 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


with the king with the hundred knights, and the king ol 
Northgalis, and both these would have put his land in 
servage, and by me they were put to a rebuke. And well 
am I rewarded for the slaying of Tauleas the mighty 
giant, and many moe deeds have I done for him, and now 
have I my guerdon. And tell the King Mark that many 
noble knights of the Round Table have spared the barons 
of this country for my sake. Also I am not well rewarded 
when I fought with the good knight Sir Palamides, and 
rescued Queen Isolde from him. And at that time King 
Mark said before all his barons I should have been better 
warded.” And therewith he took the sea. 


CHAPTER XX. 

How Sir Tristram came into England, and jousted with King 
Arthur and with Sir Launcelot so worthily that the Prize 
was given to him; and how King Arthur made him Knight 
of the Round Table. 

a N those days was holden a great tournament at the 
Castle of Maidens, and thereto came Sir Tristram, for 
King Arthur was there, with his knights, and a goodly 
press of other kings, lords and ladies. And Sir Tristram 
let make him a black shield, and therewith was he ever to 
be known in the midst of the knights. And Sir Tristram 
overthrew eleven knights of Sir Launcelot’s kin in one 
day, and jousted with King Arthur and with Sir Launce- 
lot in such wise that all men wondered. And at the last 
Sir Tristram was sore wounded, and rode away into a 
forest. But Sir Launcelot held away the stour [fight] 
like as a man enraged that took no heed to himself.] 


Of Sir Tristram. 


1 8 1 


And because Sir Launcelot was the last in the field the 
prize was given him. But Sir Launcelot would neither 
for king, queen, nor knight have the prize ; but when the 
cry was cried through the field, “Sir Launcelot, Sir 
Launcelot, hath won the field this day ! ” Sir Launcelot 
let make another cry contrary to that cry : “ Sir Tristram 
hath won the field, for he began first, and last he hath 
endured, and so hath he done the first day, the second, 
and the third day.” 

[And so King Arthur and Sir Launcelot and more 
knights rode forth for to find Sir Tristram. And after 
many adventures it happened that Sir Launcelot passed 
by the tomb of Sir Lanceor (him that was slain by Balin) 
and his lady Colombe. And by that same tomb came Sir 
Tristram : and neither knew the other, but Sir Tristram 
weened it to have been Sir Palamides. Then they two 
fought, and each wounded other wonderly sore, that the 
blood ran out upon the grass. And thus they fought the 
space of four hours. And at the last either knew other. 
Then cried Sir Launcelot,] “Oh, what adventure is be- 
fallen me ! ” 

And therewith Sir Launcelot kneeled down and yielded 
him up his sword. And therewithal Sir Tristram kneeled 
ad own, and yielded him up his sword. And so either 
gave other the degree. And then they both forthwithal 
went to the stone, and set them down upon it, and took 
off their helms to cool them, and either kissed other an 
hundred times. And then anon after they took their 
helms and rode to Camelot. And there they met with Sir 
Gawaine and with Sir Gaheris that had made promise to 
Arthur never to come again to the court till they had 
brought Sir Tristram with them. 

Then King Arthur took Sir Tristram by the hand, and 


i 82 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


led him unto the Round Table. Then came Queen Guen« 
ever, and many ladies with her, and all these ladies said, 
all with one voice, “ Welcome, Sir Tristram ; ” “welcome,” 
said the damsels; “ welcome,” said the knights; ^ wel- 
come, n said King Arthur, “for one of the best knights 
and gentlest of the world, and knight of the most worship ; 
for of all manner of hunting thou bearest the prize, and 
of all measures of blowing thou art the beginner, and of 
all the terms of hunting and hawking ye are the be- 
ginner; of all instruments of music ye are the best. 
Therefore, gentle knight,” said King Arthur, “ye are 
right heartily welcome unto this court. And also I pray 
you,” said King Arthur, “grant me a boon.” 

“It shall be at your commandment,” said Sir Tristram. 

“Well,” said King Arthur, “I will desire of you that 
ye will abide in my court.” 

“Sir,” said Sir Tristram, “thereto am I loth, for I have 
to do in many countries.” 

“Not so,” said King Arthur, “ye have promised it me, 
ye may not say nay.” 

“Sir,” said Sir Tristram, “I will as ye will.” 

Then went King Arthur unto the sieges about the 
Round Table, and looked in every siege which were void 
that lacked knights. And the king then saw in the siege 
of Marhaus letters that said : — 

“This is the siege of the noblest knight Sir Tristram.” 

And then King Arthur made Sir Tristram knight of 
the Round Table, with great nobleness and great feast as 
might be thought. 


Of Sir Tristram. 


183 


CHAPTER XXI. 

How a Young Man came into the Court of King Arthur, and 
how Sir Kay called him in Scorn, la Cote Mal Taile. 

T HERE came into the court of King Arthur a young 
man and a big made, and he was richly beseen, and 
he desired to be made knight of King Arthur ; but his 
over-garment sat overthwartly, howbeit it was good and 
rich cloth of gold. 

“ What is your name ? ” said King Arthur. 

“ Sir,” said the young man, “ my name is Brewnor le 
Noir, and within short space ye shall know that I am come 
of good kin.” 

“ It may well be,” said Sir Kay the seneschal, “ but in 
mockage, ye shall be called la Cote Mal Taile, that is 
as much to say, the evil shapen coat.” 

“ It is a great thing that thou askest,” said the king ; 
“ and for what cause wearest thou that rich coat ? tell me, 
for I can well think for some cause it is.” 

“ Sir,” said he, “ I had a father a noble knight, and upon 
a day as he rode on hunting, it happened him for to lay 
him down to sleep. And there came a knight that had 
been long his enemy ; and when he saw he was fast on 
sleep he all to-hewed him, and this same coat had my 
father on the same time, and that maketh this coat to fit 
so evil upon me, for the strokes be on it as I found it, and 
never shall be amended for me. Thus, to have my father’s 
death in remembrance, I wear this coat till I be revenged. 
And because ye are called the most noble king of the 
world, I came to you that ye would make me knight.” 

" Sir,” said Sir Lamorak and Sir Gaheris, ‘ it were well 


1 84 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


done to make him knight, for him beseemeth well of person 
and of countenance that he shall prove a good man, and a 
good and mighty knight ; for, sir, as ye be remembered 
even such one was Sir Launcelot du Lake, when he came 
first into this court, and full few of us knew from whence 
he came, and now he is proved the most man of worship 
that is in the world, and all your court and all your Round 
Table is by Sir Launcelot worshipped and amended more 
than by any knight now living.” 

“That is truth,” said the king, “and to-morrow at your 
request I shall make him knight.” 

So on the morrow there was an hart found, and thither 
rode King Arthur with a company of his knights to slay 
the hart. And this young man that Sir Kay named la 
Cote Mai Taile was there left behind with Queen Guen- 
ever, and by sudden adventure there was an horrible lion 
kept in a strong tower of stone, and it happened that he 
at that time brake loose and came hurling afore the queen 
and her knights. And when the queen saw the lion, she 
cried, and fled, and prayed her knights to rescue her. 
And there was none of them all but twelve that abode, 
and all the other fled. Then said la Cote Mai Taile, 
“Now I see well that all coward knights be not dead;” 
and therewithal he drew his sword and dressed him afore 
the lion. And that lion gaped wide, and came upon him 
ramping to have slain him. And he then smote him in 
the midst of the head such a mighty stroke that it clave 
his head in sunder, and dashed to the earth. Then was it 
told the queen how that the young man that Sir Kay 
named by scorn la Cote Mai Taile had slain the lion. 
With that the king came home. And when the queen 
told him of that adventure he was well pleased, and said, 
“ Upon pain of mine head he shall prove a noble man, and 
a faithful knight, and true of his promise.” 


Of Sir Tristram . 


185 


Then the king forthwithal made him knight. 

“ Now, sir,” said this young knight, “ I require you and 
all the knights of your court, that ye call me by none 
other name but la Cote Mai Taile ; insomuch as Sir Kay 
so hath named me, so will I be called.” 

“ I assent me well thereto,” said the king. 


CHAPTER XXII. 

How a Damsel came unto the Court and desired a Knight to 

TAKE ON HIM AN INQUEST, WHICH LA COTE MAL TAILE EMPRISED. 

T HEN on the same day there came a damsel into the 
king’s court, and she brought with her a great black 
shield, with a white hand in the midst holding a sword ; 
other picture was there none in that shield. When King 
Arthur saw her, he asked her from whence she came, and 
what she would have in his court. 

“ Sir,” said the damsel, “ I have ridden long and many 
a day with this black shield, and many sundry ways, and 
for this cause I am come unto your court. And he that 
ought [owned] this shield was a right good knight, and 
this knight had undertaken to achieve a great deed of 
arms, and so it misfortuned him that another good knight 
met with him by sudden adventure, and there they fought 
long, and either wounded other passing sore, and they 
were so weary that they left that battle even hand. So 
this knight that owned this shield saw none other way 
but he must die ; and then he commanded me to bear this 
shield to the court of King Arthur, he requiring and pray- 
ing some good knight to take this shield, and that he 
would fulfil the quest that he was in,” 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


1 86 


“ Now what say ye to this quest ? ” said King Arthur. 
“ Is there any of you here that will take upon him to wield 
this shield ? ” 

Then was there not one that would speak one word. 
Then Sir Kay took the shield in his hands. 

“ Sir knight,” said the damsel, “ what is your name ? ” 

“Wit ye well,” said he, “my name is Sir Kay the senes- 
chal, that widewhere is known.” 

“ Sir,” said that damsel, “ lay down that shield, for wit 
ye well it falleth not for you, for he must be a better 
knight than ye that shall wield this shield.” 

“ Damsel,” said Sir Kay, “ wit ye well I took this shield 
in my hands by your leave for to behold it, not to that 
intent, but go wheresoever thou wilt, for I will not go with 
you.” 

Then the damsel stood still a great while, and beheld 
many of those knights. Then spake the knight la Cote 
Mai Taile, — 

“Fair damsel, I will take the shield and that adventure 
upon me, so I wist I should know whitherward my journey 
might be, for because I was this day made knight I would 
take this adventure upon me.” 

“ What is your name, fair young man ? ” said the dam- 
seL 

“ My name is,” said he, “ la Cote Mai Taile.” 

“Well mayest thou be called so,” said the damsel, “the 
knight with the evil-shapen coat, but and thou be so hardy 
to take upon thee to bear that shield and to follow me, wit 
thou well thy skin shall be as well hewn as thy coat.” 

“ As for that,” said la Cote Mai Taile, “ when I am so 
hewn I will ask you no salve to heal me withal.” 

And forthwithal there came into the court two squires, 
and brought him great horses and his armor and his 
spears, and anon he was armed, and took his leave. 


Of Sir Tristram . 


187 


“I would not,” said the king, “that ye took upon you 
that hard adventure.” 

“ Sir,” said he, “ this adventure is mine, and the first 
that ever I took upon me, and that will I follow whatso* 
ever come of me.” 

Then the damsel departed, and Sir la Cote Mai Taile 
followed fast after, and within a while he overtook the 
damsel. And anon she missaid him in the foulest man- 
ner. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 


How Sir la Cote Mal Taile overthrew Sir Dagonet, Kino 
Arthur’s Fool, and of the Rebuke that he had of the Damsel. 


ND then Sir Kay ordained Sir Dagonet, King 



T~\ Arthur’s fool, to follow after Sir la Cote Mal Taile, 
and so there Sir Kay in all haste made Sir Dagonet to be 
armed and horsed, and bade him follow Sir la Cote Mal 
Taile and proffer him to joust ; and so he did, and when he 
saw Sir la Cote Mal Taile, he cried to him, and bade him 
make ready to joust. So Sir la Cote Mal Taile smote 
Sir Dagonet over his horse’s crupper. Then the damsel 
mocked Sir la Cote Mal Taile, and said, — 

“ Fie for shame, now thou art shamed in King Arthur’s 
court, when they send a fool to have to do with thee, and 
specially at the first jousts.” 

Thus she rode long chiding him. And within a while 
there came Sir Bleoberis the good knight, and there he 
jousted with Sir la Cote Mal Taile, and there Sir Bleo- 
beris smote him so sore that horse and all fell to the earth. 
Then Sir la Cote Mal Taile arose up lightly and dressed 
his shield and drew his sword, and would have done the 
battle to the uttermost, for he was wood wroth. 


t 88 


The Boy s King Arthur . 


“Not so,” said Sir Bleobcris, “as at this time I will not 
fight on foot.” 

Then the damsel Maledisant rebuked him in the foulest 
manner, and bade him “turn again, coward.” 

“Ah! damsel,” said he, “I pray you of mercy to mis- 
say me no more ; my grief is enough though ye give me 
no more. I called myself never the worse knight when a 
[horse] failed me, and also I count me never the worse 
knight of a fall of Sir Bleoberis.” 

So thus he rode with her two days, and by fortune there 
came Sir Palamides and encountered with him, and he in 
the same wise served him as Sir Bleoberis had done 
before. 

“What doest thou here in my fellowship?” said the 
damsel Maledisant ; “ thou canst not sit no knight, nor 
withstand him a buffet, but if it were Sir Dagonet.” 

“ Ah, fair damsel, I am not the worse to take a fall of 
Sir Palamides, and yet great disworship have I none, for 
neither Bleoberis nor yet Palamides would not fight with 
me on foot.” 

“As for that,” said the damsel, “wit thou well they 
have disdain and scorn to light off their horses to fight 
with such a mean knight as thou art.” 

So in the meanwhile there came Sir Mordred, Sir 
Gawaine’s brother, and so he fell in the fellowship with 
the damsel Maledisant. And then they came afore the 
Castle Orgulous, and there was such a custom that there 
might no knight come by that castle but either he must 
joust or be prisoner, or at the least to lose his horse and 
his harness. And there came out two knights against 
them, and Sir Mordred jousted with the foremost, and 
that knight of the castle smote Sir Mordred down off his 
horse. And then anon la Cote Mai Taile jousted with 


Of Sir Tristram . 


189 


that other, and either of them smote other down, horse 
and all to the earth. And when they avoided their horses, 
then either of them took other’s horses. And then la 
Cote Mai Taile rode into that knight that smote down 
Sir Mordred, and jousted with him; and there Sir la 
Cote Mai Taile hurt and wounded him passing sore, and 
put him from his horse as he had been dead. So he 
turned unto him that met him afore, and he took the 
flight toward the castle, and Sir la Cote Mai Taile rode 
after him into the Castle Orgulous, and there la Cote 
Mai Taile slew him. 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

How La Cot* Mal Taile fought against an Hundred Knights, 

AND HOW HE ESCAPED BY THE MEAN OF A LADY. 

A ND anon there came an hundred knights about him 
and assailed him ; and when he saw his horse should 
be slain he alighted and voided his horse, and put the 
bridle under his feet, and so put him out of the gate. 
And when he had so done, he hurled in among them, and 
dressed his back unto a lady’s chamber-wall, thinking 
himself that he had liever die there with worship than to 
abide the rebukes of the damsel Maledisant. 

And in the mean time as he stood and fought, that lady 
whose the chamber was went out slyly at a postern, and 
without the gates she found Sir la Cote Mal Taile’s 
horse, and lightly she gat him by the bridle and tied him 
to the postern. And then she went unto her chamber 
slyly again, to behold how that one knight fought against 
an hundred knights. And so when she had beholden him 
long, she went to a window behind his back, and said, — 


190 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


“ Thou, knight, fightest wondrous well, but for all that 
at the last thou must needs die, but and thou canst 
through thy mighty prowess win to yonder postern, for 
there have I fastened thy horse for to abide thee, but wit 
thou well thou must think on thy worship and think not 
to die, for thou mayst not win unto that postern without 
thou do nobly and mightily.” 

When Sir la Cote Mai Taile heard her say so, he took 
his sword and put his shield before him, and hurled 
through the thickest of them. And when he came to the 
postern, he found there four knights ready, and at two of 
the first strokes he slew two of the knights, and the other 
two fled, and so he won his horse and rode from them. 
And all as it was, it was rehearsed in King Arthur’s 
court how he slew twelve knights within the Castle Orgu- 
lous, and so he rode on his way. And in the meanwhile 
the damsel said unto Sir Mordred, — 

“I ween my foolish knight be either slain or taken 
prisoner.” 

Then were they ware where he came riding. And 
when he was come unto them, he told them how he had 
sped and escaped in despite of them all, “ and some of the 
best of them will tell no tales.” 

“Thou liest falsely,” said the damsel, “that dare I 
make good, but as a fool and a dastard to all knighthood 
they have let thee pass.” 

“Ye may prove it,” said Sir la Cote Mai Taile. 

With that she sent a courier of hers, that rode alway 
with her, for to know the truth of this deed. And so he 
rode thither lightly, and asked how and in what manner 
that Sir la Cote Mai Taile was escaped out of the castle. 
Then all the knights cursed him and said that he was 
fiend and no man; “for he hath slain here twelve of our 


Of Sir Tristram . 


194 

best knights, and we wend unto this day that it had been 
too much for Sir Launcelot du Lake, or for Sir Tristram 
de Lyonesse. And in despite of us all he is departed 
from us, and maugre our heads.” 

With this answer the courier departed, and came to 
Maledisant his lady, and told her all how Sir la Cote Mai 
Taile had sped at the Castle Orgulous. Then she smote 
down her head, and said little. 

“By my head,” said Sir Mordred to the damsel, “ye are 
greatly to blame so to rebuke him, for I warn you plainly 
he is a good knight, and I doubt not but he shall prove a 
noble knight, but as yet he may not sit sure on horseback : 
for he that shall be a good horseman it must come of 
usage and exercise. But when he cometh to the strokes 
of his sword he is then noble and mighty, and that saw 
Sir Bleoberis and Sir Palamides, for wit ye well they are 
wily men of arms, and anon they know when they see a 
young knight by his riding, how they are sure to give him 
a fall from his horse or a great buffet. But for the most 
part they will not light on foot with young knights, for 
they are wight [strong] and strongly armed. For in like- 
wise Sir Launcelot du Lake when he was first made 
knight he was often put to the worse upon horseback, but 
ever upon foot he recovered his renown, and slew and 
def oiled many knights of the Round Table. And there- 
fore the rebukes that Sir Launcelot did to many knights 
causeth them that be men of prowess to beware, for often 
I have seen the old proved knights rebuked and slain by 
them that were but young beginners.” 

Thus they rode sure talking by the way together. 


192 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER XXV. 


How Sir Launcelot came to the Court and heard of Sir la Cot* 
Mal Tail*, and how he followed after Him, and how Sir la 
Cote Mal Taile was Prisoner. 

ND when he was come to the court of King Arthur, 



then he heard tell of the young knight Sir la Cote 
Mal Taile, how he slew the lion, and also how he took 
upon him the adventure of the black shield, the which was 
named at that time the hardiest adventure of the world. 
“ So God me help,” said Sir Launcelot unto many of his 
fellows, “it is shame to all you noble knights to suffer 
such a young knight to take such an adventure upon him 
for his destruction. For I will that ye wit,” said the noble 
knight Sir Launcelot, “ that that damsel Maledisant hath 
borne that shield many a day for to seek the most proved 
knights, and that was she that Breuse sans Pitie took that 
shield from her. And after Sir Tristram de Lyonesse 
rescued that shield, and gave it to her again. A little be- 
fore that time Sir Tristram fought with my nephew Sir 
Blamor de Galis, for a quarrel that was between the king 
of Ireland and him.” 

Then many knights were sorry that Sir la Cote Mal 
Taile was gone to that adventure. 

“Truly,” said Sir Launcelot, “I cast me to ride after 


him.” 


And within seven days Sir Launcelot overtook Sir la 
Cote Mal Taile, and then he saluted him and the damsel 
Maledisant. And when Sir Mordred saw Sir Launcelot, 
he left their fellowship. And so Sir Launcelot rode with 
them all the day, and ever the damsel Maledisant rebuked 


Of Sir Tristram. 


193 


Sir la Cote Mai Taile full uncourteously. And then Sir 
Launcelot answered for him. And then she left off Sir 
la Cote Mai Taile, and rebuked Sir Launcelot. So this 
meanwhile Sir Tristram de Lyonesse sent by a damsel a 
lettei unto Sir Launcelot, in excusing him of the wedding 
of the fair damsel Isolde la Blanche Mains, and said in 
the letter [that he had never been husband to her] and 
that Sir Launcelot would excuse him if that ever he saw 
her. And within short time said Sir Tristram that he 
would speak with la Belle Isolde and with him right 
hastily. Then Sir Launcelot departed from the damsel 
and from Sir la Cote Mai Taile, for to oversee that letter, 
and for to write another letter unto Sir Tristram de Lyon- 
esse. And in the meanwhile la Cote Mai Taile rode with 
the damsel until they came unto a castle that hight Pen- 
dragon, and there were six knights stood afore him, and 
one of them proffered to joust with la Cote Mai Taile. 
And there la Cote Mai Taile smote him over his horse’s 
crupper. And then the five knights set upon him all at 
once with their spears, and there they smote la Cote Mai 
Taile down, horse and man, and then they alighted sud- 
denly, and set their hands upon him all at once and took 
him prisoner, and so led him unto the castle and kept him 
as prisoner. And on the morn Sir Launcelot arose and 
delivered the damsel with letters unto Sir Tristram, and 
then he took his way after la Cote Mai Taile, and by the 
way upon a bridge there was a knight proffered Sir 
Launcelot to joust, and Sir Launcelot smote him down, 
and then they fought upon foot a noble battle together, 
and a mighty. And at the last Sir Launcelot smote him 
down grovelling upon his hands and his knees ; and then 
that knight yielded him, and Sir Launceiot received him 
fair. 


194 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“ Sir,” said the knight, “ I require thee tell me your 
name, for much my heart giveth unto you/’ 

“ Nay,” said Sir Launcelot, “ as at this time I will not 
tell you my name, unless then that ye tell me your name.” 

“Certainly,” said the knight, “my name is Sir Nero- 
veus, that was made knight of my lord Sir Launcelot du 
Lake.” 

“Ah, Neroveus de Lile,” said Sir Launcelot, “I am 
right glad that ye are proved a good knight, for now wit 
ye well my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake.” 

“ Alas,” said Neroveus de Lile, “what have I done ?” 

And therewithal flatling he fell to his feet, and would 
have kissed them, but Sir Launcelot would not let him. 
And then either made great joy of other. And then Sir 
Neroveus told Sir Launcelot that he should not go to the 
Castle Pendragon, “ and there is a lord, a mighty knight, 
and hath many knights with him ; and this night I heard 
say that they took yesterday a knight prisoner that rode 
with a damsel, and they say he is a knight of the Round 
Table.” 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

How Sir Launcelot fought with six Knights, and after that he 

FOUGHT WITH SlR BRIAN, AND HOW HE DELIVERED ALL THE PRISON- 
ERS. 

I N good faith,” said Sir Launcelot, “ that knight is my 
fellow, and him shall I rescue, or else I shall leese 
[lose] my life for him.” And therewith he rode forth until 
he came before the Castle of Pendragon, and anon there 
came six Knights, and all made them ready to set upon Sir 
Launcelot at once. Then Sir Launcelot feutred his spear, 


Of Sir Tristram . 


*95 


and smote at the foremost that he brake his back in sun- 
der, and three of them hit and three failed. And then 
Sir Launcelot passed through them, and lightly he turned 
him in again, and smote another knight throughout the 
body and through the horse more than an ell, and there- 
with his spear brake. So then all the remnant of the four 
knights drew their swords, and full eagerly they lashed at 
Sir Launcelot, and at every stroke that Sir Launcelot be- 
stowed they were stricken in sundry wise, so that they 
avoided their saddles sore wounded. And forthwith he 
rode hurling unto the castle. And anon the lord of the 
castle, that was that time called Sir Brian of the Isles, 
which was a noble man, and was a great enemy unto King 
Arthur, within a while he was armed and on horseback, 
and then they feutred their spears and hurled together so 
strongly that both their horses fell to the earth. And 
then they avoided their saddles and horses, and dressed 
their shields, and drew their swords, and flung together as 
wood men. At the last Sir Launcelot gave to Sir Brian 
such a buffet that he kneeled upon his knees, and then Sir 
Launcelot rushed upon him, and with great force he pulled 
off his helm, and when Sir Brian saw that he should be 
slain, he yielded him, and put him in his mercy and in his 
grace. Then Sir Launcelot made him to deliver all his 
prisoners that he had within his castle, and therein Sir 
Launcelot found of Arthur’s knights thirty, and forty 
ladies, and so he delivered them and then he rode his way. 
And anon as la Cote Mai Taile was delivered he got his 
horse and his harness, and his damsel Maledisant. The 
meanwhile Sir Neroveus, that Sir Launcelot had fought 
withal afore at the bridge, he sent a damsel after Sir 
Launcelot for to wit how he sped at the Castle of Pen- 
dragon. And then they within the castle marvelled what 


196 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


knight he was when Sir Brian and his knights delivered 
all those prisoners. 

“ Have ye no marvel,” said the damsel, “for the best 
knight in this world was here, and did this tourney, and 
wit ye well,” she said, “it was Sir Launcelot.” 

Then was Sir Brian full glad, and so was his lady and 
all his knights, that such a man should win them. And 
when the damsel and la Cote Mai Taile understood that 
it was Sir Launcelot du Lake that had ridden with them 
in fellowship, and that she remembered her how she had 
rebuked him and called him coward, then was she passing 
heavy. 


CHAPTER XXVII. 

How Sir Launcelot met with the Damsel named Maledisant, and 

HOW HE NAMED HER THE DAMSEL BlENPENSANT. 

S O then they took their horses and rode forth apace 
after Sir Launcelot. And within two mile they 
overtook him, and saluted him, and thanked him, and the 
damsel cried Sir Launcelot mercy of her evil deed, and 
saying, “For now I know the flower of all knighthood is 
parted even between Sir Tristram and you. For I have 
sought you my lord Sir Launcelot, and Sir Tristram, long, 
and now I thank God that I have met with you; and once 
at Camelot I met with Sir Tristram, and there he rescued 
this black shield with the white hands holding a naked 
sword, which Sir Breuse sans Pitie had taken away from 
me.” 

“Now, fair damsel,” said Sir Launcelot, “who told you 
my name ? ” 

“Sir,” said she, “there came a damsel from a knight 


Of Sir Tristram . 


J 97 


that ye fought withal at the bridge, and she told me youi 
name was Sir Launcelot du Lake.” 

“ Blame have she then,” said Sir Launcelot, “ but her 
lord Sir Neroveus hath told her. But, damsel,” said Sir 
Launcelot, “upon this covenant I will ride with you, so 
that ye will not rebuke this knight Sir la Cote Mai Taile 
no more ; for he is a right good knight, and I doubt not 
but that he will prove a noble knight, and for his sake 
and pity that he should not be destroyed, I follow him for 
to succor him in his great need.” 

“Ah! Jesu thank you,” said the damsel, “for now I 
will say to you and to him both, I rebuked him never for 
no hate that I hated him, but for great love that I had 
unto him, for ever I supposed he had been too young and 
tender for to take upon him these adventures ; and there- 
fore by my will I would have driven him away for the 
jealousy that I had of his life, for it may be no young 
knight’s deed that shall achieve this adventure to the 
end.” 

“ Pardy ! ” said Sir Launcelot, “ it is well said, whereas 
ye are called the damsel Maledisant, I will call you the 
damsel Bienpensant.” 

And so they rode forth a great while till they came to 
the borders of the country of Surluse, and there they 
found a full fair village with a strong bridge like a for- 
tress. And when Sir Launcelot and they were at the 
bridge, there started forth before them many gentlemen 
and yeomen, that said, — 

“ Fair lords, ye may not pass over this bridge and this 
fortress, because of the black shield that I see one of you 
bear, and therefore there shall not pass no one but one of 
you at once ; therefore choose which of you shall enter 
within this bridge first.” 


198 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


Then Sir Launcelot proffered himself first to enter. 

“Sir,” said la Cote Mai Taile, “I beseech you let me 
enter first within this fortress, and if I may speed well I 
will send for you, and if it happen that I be slain, there it 
goeth. And if so be that I am a prisoner taken, then 
may ye rescue me.” 

“ I am loth,” said Sir Launcelot, “ to let you pass this 
passage.” 

“ Sir,” said la Cote Mai Taile, “ I pray you let me put 
my body in this adventure.” 

“Now go your way,” said Sir Launcelot, “and Jesu be 
your speed.” 

So he entered, and anon there met with him two breth- 
ren, the one hight Sir Plein de Force, and the other hight 
Sir Plein d’ Amour ; and anon they met with Sir la Cote 
Mai Taile, and first la Cote Mai Taile smote down Sir 
Plein de Force, and soon after he smote down Plein 
d’ Amour; and then they dressed them to their shields 
and swords, and bade la Cote Mai Taile alight, and so he 
did, and there was dashing and foining with swords, and 
so they began to assail full hard la Cote Mai Taile, and 
many great wounds they gave him upon his head and upon 
his breast and upon his shoulders. And as he might ever 
among he gave sad strokes again. And then the two 
brethren traced and traversed for to be of both hands [on 
both sides ] of Sir la Cote Mai Taile, but he by fine force 
and knightly prowess gat them afore him. And then 
when he felt himself so wounded then he doubled his 
strokes and gave them so many wounds that he felled 
them to the earth, and would have slain them had they 
not yielded them. And right so Sir la Cote Mai Taile 
took the best horse that there was of them three, and so 
rode forth his wav to the other fortress and bridge, and 


Of Sir Tristram . 


199 


there he met with the third brother, whose name was 
Sir Plenorius, a full noble knight ; and there they jousted 
together, and either smote other down horse and man to 
the earth. And then they two avoided their horses, and 
dressed their shields, and drew their swords, and gave 
many sad strokes ; and one while the one knight was 
afore on the bridge, and another while the other. And 
thus they fought two hours and more, and never rested, 
and ever Sir Launcelot and the damsel beheld them. 

“ Alas ! ” said the damsel, “ my knight fighteth passing 
sore and over long.* 

“Now may ye see,” said Sir Launcelot, “that he is a 
noble knight, for to consider his first battle and his 
grievous wounds, and so wounded as he is, it is great 
marvel that he may endure this long battle with that 
good knight.” 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 


How la Cote Mal Taile was taken Prisoner, and after rescued 
by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame Four 
Brethren. 


HIS meanwhile Sir la Cote Mal Taile sunk down 



JL upon the earth, for, what for wounds and what for 
blood, he might not stand. Then the other knight had 
pity of him, and said, — 

“ Fair young knight, dismay you not, for if ye had been 
fresh when ye met with me as I was, I know well I should 
not have endured so long as ye have done ; and therefore, 
for your noble deeds and valiantness, I shall show you 
great kindness and gentleness in all that ever I may.” 

And forthwith the noble knight Sir Plenorius took him 


200 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


up in his arms and led him into his tower. And then he 
commanded him the wine, and made for to search him 
and for to stop his bleeding wounds. 

“Sir,” said la Cote Mai Taile, “withdraw you from 
me, and hie you to yonder bridge again, for there will 
meet you another manner knight than ever I was.” 

“Why,” said Sir Plenorius, “is here another manner 
knight behind of your fellowship ? ” 

“Yea, truly,” said la Cote Mai Taile, “there is a much 
better knight than I am.” 

“ What is his name ? ” said Sir Plenorius. 

“You shall not know for me,” said la Cote Mai Taile. 

“Well,” said the knight, “he shall be encountered 
withal, whatsoever he be.” 

Then Sir Plenorius heard a knight call that said, “ Sir 
Plenorius, where art thou ? either thou must deliver me 
the prisoner that thou hast led unto thy tower, or else 
come and do battle with me.” 

Then Sir Plenorius gat his horse, and came with a spear 
in his hand, galloping towards Sir Launcelot, and then 
they began to feutre their spears, and came together as 
thunder, and smote either other so mightily that their 
horses fell down under them. And then they avoided 
their horses, and pulled out their swords, and like two 
bulls they lashed together with great strokes and foins, 
but ever Sir Launcelot recovered ground upon him, and 
Sir Plenorius traced to have gone about him. But Sir 
Launcelot would not suffer that, but bare him backer and 
backer till he came nigh his tower gate. And then said 
Sir Launcelot, “ I know thee well for a good knight, but 
wit thou well thy life and death is in my hand, and there- 
fore yield thee to me, and thy prisoner.” 

The othsr answered no word, but strake mightily upon 


Of Sir Tristram . 


20 i 


Sir Launcelot’s helm, that fire sprang out of his eyes ; 
then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes so thick, and smote 
at him so mightily, that he made him kneel upon his 
knees, and therewith Sir Launcelot leaped upon him and 
pulled him grovelling down. Then Sir Plenorius yielded 
him, and his tower, and all his prisoners, at his will. And 
then Sir Launcelot received him and took his troth, and 
then he rode to the other bridge, and there Sir Launcelot 
jousted with other three of his brethren, the one hight 
Pillounes, and the other hight Pellogris, and the third 
Sir Pellandris. And first upon horseback Sir Launcelot 
smote them down, and afterward he beat them on foot, 
and made them to yield them unto him, and then he 
returned unto Sir Plenorius, and there he found in his 
prison King Carados of Scotland and many other knights, 
and all they were delivered. And then Sir la Cote Mai 
Taile came to Sir Launcelot, and then Sir Launcelot would 
have given him all these fortresses and these bridges. 

“ Nay,” said la Cote Mai Taile, “ I will not have Sir 
Plenorius’ livelihood : with that [provided that ] he will 
grant you, my lord Sir Launcelot, to come unto King 
Arthur’s court, and to be his knight, and all his brethren, 
I will pray you, my lord, to let him have his livelihood.” 

“I will well,” said Sir Launcelot, “with this that he 
will come to the court of King Arthur, and become his 
man, and his brethren five. And as for you. Sir Plenorius, 
I will undertake,” said Sir Launcelot, “ at the next feast, 
so there be a place voided, that ye shall be knight of the 
Round Table.” 

“ Sir,” said Sir Plenorius, “ at the next feast of Pente- 
cost I will be at Arthur’s court, and at that time I will be 
guided and ruled as King Arthur and ye will have me.” 

Then Sir Launcelot and Sir la Cote Mai Taile reposed 


202 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


them there unto the time that Sir la Cote Mai Taile was 
whole of his wounds, and there they had merry cheer, and 
good rest, and many games, and there were many fair 
ladies. 


CHAPTER XXIX. 


How Sir Launcelot made la Cote Mal Taile Lord of the Castle 
of Pendragon, and after he was made Knight of the Round 
Table. 

ND in the mean while there came Sir Kay the 



T~\ seneschal, and Sir Brandiles, and anon they fellow- 
shipped with them. And then within ten days departed 
those knights of King Arthur’s court from these for- 
tresses. And as Sir Launcelot came by the Castle of 
Pendragon, there he put Sir Brian of the Isles from his 
lands, because he would never be [agreed] with King 
Arthur, and all that Castle of Pendragon, and all the lands 
thereof, he gave to Sir la Cote Mal Taile. And then 
Sir Launcelot sent for Sir Neroveus, that he made once 
knight, and he made him to have all the rule of that castle 
and of that country under la Cote Mal Taile. And so 
they rode to Arthur’s court all wholly together. And at 
Pentecost next following there was Sir Plenorius, and Sir 
la Cote Mal Taile, called otherwise by right Sir Brewnor 
le Noir, both made knights of the Table Round, and great 
lands King Arthur gave them; and there Brewnor le 
Noir wedded that damsel Maledisant. And after she 
was called Beauvivant ; but ever after for the more part 
he was called la Cote Mal Taile, and he proved a passing 
noble knight and mighty, and many worshipful deeds he 
did after in his life, and Sir Plenorius proved a noble 


Of Sir Tristram . 


203 


knight and full of prowess. And all the days of their 
life for the most part they awaited upon Sir Launcelot. 
And Sir Plenorius’ brethren were ever knights of King 
Arthur. And also as the French book maketh mention, 
Sir la Cote Mai Taile avenged his father's death. 


CHAPTER XXX. 


How, for the Despite of Sir Tristram, King Mark came with 
Two Knights into England, and how Dagonet, King Arthur’s 
Fool, put him to Flight. 



‘HEN King Mark had great despite of the renown of 


-L Sir Tristram. So he sent on his part men, to espy 
what deeds he did. And when the messengers were come 
home, they told the truth as they heard, that he passed all 
other knights but if it were the noble knight Sir Launce- 
lot. Then in great despite he took with him two good 
knights and two squires, and disguised himself, and took 
his way into England, to the intent to slay him. 

[And it happened that Sir Dinadan met King Mark, and 
began to mock him for a Cornish knight of no worship. 
And] right as they stood thus talking together, they saw 
come riding to them over a plain six knights of the court 
of King Arthur, well armed at all points. And there by 
their shields Sir Dinadan knew them well. The first was 
the good knight Sir Uwaine, the son of King Uriens ; the 
second was the noble knight Sir Brandiles ; the third was 
Ozana le Cure Hardy ; the fourth was Uwaine les Adven- 
turous ; the fifth was Sir Agravaine ; the sixth Sir Mor- 
dred, brother to Sir Gawaine. When Sir Dinadan had 
seen these six knights, he thought in himself he would 


204 The Boy's King Arthur . 

bring King Mark by some wile to joust wit A one of 
them. 

“Lo,” said Sir Dinadan, “ yonder are knights errant 
that will joust with us.” 

“God forbid,” said King Mark, “for they be six, and 
we but two.” 

“ As for that,” said Sir Dinadan, “ let us not spare, for I 
will assay the foremost.” 

And therewith he made him ready. When King Mark 
saw him do so, as fast as Sir Dinadan rode toward them 
King Mark rode from them with all his menial company. 
So when Sir Dinadan saw King Mark was gone, he set 
the spear out of the rest, and threw his shield upon his 
back, and came riding to the fellowship of the Table 
Round. And anon Sir Uwaine knew Sir Dinadan, and 
welcomed him, and so did all his fellowship. 

“What knight is that,” said Sir Brandiles, “that so 
suddenly departed from you, and rode over yonder field ? ” 

“ Sir,” said he, “ it was a knight of Cornwall, and the 
most horrible coward that ever bestrode horse.” 

“ What is his name ? ” said all the knights. 

“ I wot not,” said Sir Dinadan. 

Said Sir Griflet, “Here have I brought Sir Dagonet, 
King Arthur’s fool, that is the best fellow and the merri 
est in the world.” 

[Then said Sir Mordred,] “ Put my shield and my har 
ness upon Sir Dagonet, and let him set upon the Cornish 
knight.” 

“That shall be done,” said Sir Dagonet, “by my faith.” 

Then anon was Dagonet armed in Mordred’s harness 
and his shield, and he was set on a great horse and a spear 
in his hand. 

“Now,” said Dagonet, “show me the knight, and I 
trow I shall bear him down.” 


Of Sir Tristram. 


205 


So all these knights rode to a woodside, and abode till 
King Mark came by the way. Then they put forth Sir 
Dagonet, and he came on all the while his horse might 
run, straight upon King Mark. And when he came nigh 
King Mark, he cried as he were wood, and said, “ Keep 
thee, knight of Cornwall, for I will slay thee.” 

Anon as King Mark beheld his shield he said to him- 
self, “Yonder is Sir Launcelot : alas, now am I destroyed.” 

And therewithal he made his horse to run as fast as it 
might through thick and thin. And ever Sir Dagonet 
followed King Mark crying and rating him as a wood man 
through a great forest. When Sir Uwaine and Sir Bran- 
diles saw Dagonet so chase King Mark, they laughed all 
as they were wood. And then they took their horses and 
rode after to see how Sir Dagonet sped. For they would 
not for no good that Sir Dagonet were hurt, for King 
Arthur loved him passing well, and made him knight with 
his own hands. 

When Sir Uwaine and Sir Brandiles with his fellows 
came to the court of King Arthur, they told the king, 
Sir Launcelot, and Sir Tristram how Sir Dagonet the 
fool chased King Mark through the forest. There was 
great laughing and jesting at King Mark and at Sir 
Dagonet. 


CHAPTER XXXI. 

How King Arthur made King Mark to be accorded with Si* 
Tristram, and how they departed toward Cornwall. 

K ING Arthur on a day said unto King Mark, — 

“ Sir, I pray you to give me a gift that I shall ask 

you.” 


206 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“ Sir,” said King Mark, “ I will give you whatsoever ye 
desire, and it be in my power.” 

“Sir, gramercy,” said King Arthur, “this I will ask 
you, that ye be a good lord unto Sir Tristram, for he is a 
man of great honor ; and that ye will take him with you 
into Cornwall, and let him see his friends, and there 
cherish him for my sake.” 

“ Sir,” said King Mark, “ I promise you by the faith of 
my body, and by the faith I owe to God and to you, I 
shall worship him for your sake in all that I can or may.” 

“Sir,” said Arthur, “and I will forgive you all the evil 
will that ever I owed you, and so be that ye swear that 
upon a book afore me.” 

“ With a good will,” said King Mark. 

And so he there sware upon a book afore him and all 
his knights, and therewith King Mark and Sir Tristram 
took either other by the hands hard knit together. But 
for all this King Mark thought falsely, as it proved after, 
for he put Sir Tristram in prison, and cowardly would 
have slain him. Then soon after King Mark took his 
leave to ride into Cornwall, and Sir Tristram made him 
ready to ride with him, wherefore the most part of the 
Round Table were wroth and heavy ; and in especial Sir 
Launcelot, and Sir Lamorak, and Sir Dinadan were wroth 
out of measure. For well they wist King Mark would 
slay or destroy Sir Tristram. 


—gg gg" ■ 1 »*s 



How Eliot the Harper sa lg the Lay that Dinadan had made. 



Of Sir Tristram. 


207 


CHAPTER XXXII. 


How at a Great Feast that King Mark made, an Harper cami 


and sang the Lay that Dinadan had made. 



HEN there came a host of Sessoines [Saxons] into 


L J- King Mark’s country and made war upon him that 
he was fain to pray Sir Tristram to take his part. And 
Sir Tristram took his part and led a great battle against 
the Sessoines and overcame their battle and slew Elias 
their captain.] 

And at the great feast that King Mark made for joy 
that the Sessoins were put out of his country, then came 
Eliot the harper, with the lay [song] that Dinadan had 
made, and secretly brought it unto Sir Tristram, and told 
him the lay that Dinadan had made by King Mark. And 
when Sir Tristram heard it, he said : — 

“ That Dinadan can make wonderly well and ill, there 
as it shall be.” 

“Sir,” said Eliot, “dare I sing this song afore King 
Mark?” 

“Yea, on my peril,” said Sir Tristram, “for I shall be 
k hy warrant.” 

Then at the meat came in Eliot the harper, and because 
he was a curious harper men heard him sing the same 
lay that Dinadan had made, the which spake the most 
villany by King Mark of his treason that ever man heard. 
When the harper had sung his song to the end, King 
Mark was wonderly wroth, and said, — 

“ Thou harper, how durst thou be so bold on thy head 
to sing this song before me ? ” 

“ Sir,” said Eliot, “ wit you well I am a minstrel, and 


208 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


I must do as I am commanded of these lords that I bear 


the arms of. And, sir, wit you well that Sir Dinadan, a 
knight of the Table Round, made this song, and made me 
to sing it afore you.” 

“Thou sayest well,” said King Mark, “and because 
thou art a minstrel thou shalt go quit, but I charge thee 
hie thee fast out of my sight.” 

So the harper departed, and went to Sir Tristram, and 
told him how he had sped. Then Sir Tristram let make 
letters, as goodly as he could, to Sir Launcelot, and to 
Sir Dinadan. And so he let conduct the harper out of 
the country. But to say that King Mark was wonderly 
wroth, he was ; for he deemed that the lay that was sung 
afore him was made by Sir Tristram's counsel, wherefore 
he thought to slay him and all his well-willers in that 
country. 


CHAPTER XXXIII. 


How King Mark slew by Treason his Brother Boudwine for 
Good Service that he had done to him. 

OW turn we to another matter, which befell between 



1 King Mark and his brother, that was called the good 
prince Sir Boudwine, which all the people of the country 
loved passing well. So it befell upon a time that the mis- 
creants Sarasins [Saracens] landed in the country of Corn- 
wall, soon after that the Sessoines were gone ; and then 
the good prince Sir Boudwine, at the landing of them, he 
raised the country privily and hastily, and or it was day 
he let put wild fire in three of his own ships, and suddenly 
he pulled up the sails, and with the wind he made those 
ships to be driven among the navy of the Saracens. And 


Of Sir Tristram. 


209 


to make short the tale, those ships set on fire all the other 
ships that none were saved. And at the point of the day 
the good prince Sir Boudwine, with all his fellowship, set 
upon the miscreants with shouts and cries, and slew to 
the number of forty thousand, and left none alive. Anc 
when King Mark wist this, he was wondrous wroth that 
his brother should win such worship ; and because that 
this prince was better beloved than he in all that country, 
and also Sir Boudwine loved well Sir Tristram, therefore 
he thought to slay him, and thus hastily, as a man being 
out of his wit and lacking natural reason, sent for the 
noble prince Sir Boudwine and Anglides his wife, and 
commanded them to bring their young son with them, 
that he might see him. And all this he did to the intent 
to slay the child as well as the father, for he was the 
falsest traitor that ever was born. Alas ! for his goodness 
and for his good deeds this gentle prince Sir Boudwine 
was slain. So when he came with his wife Anglides, the 
king made them fair semblance till they had dined ; and 
when they had dined, King Mark sent for his brother, 
and said to him, “ Brother, how sped you when the mis- 
creants arrived by you ? me seemeth it had been your 
part to have sent me word, that I might have been at that 
journey ; for it had been reason that I might have had the 
honor, and not you.” 

“ Sir,” said the prince Sir Boudwine, “ it was so that if 
I had tarried till I had sent for you, the miscreants had 
destroyed my country.” 

“Thou best, false traitor,” said King Mark, “for thou 
art ever about to win worship from me, and put me to dis- 
honor, and thou cherishest that I hate.” 

And therewith he struck him to the heart with a 
dagger, and he never after spake word. Then the lady 


210 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


Anglides his wife made great dole and swooned, for she 
saw her lord slain afore her face. Then was there no 
more to do but that Prince Boudwine was despoiled and 
brought to burial, but Anglides privily gat her husband’s 
doublet and his shirt, and that she kept secretly. Then 
was there much sorrow and crying, and great dole made 
Sir Tristram, Sir Dinas, and Sir Fergus, and so did all 
the knights that were there, for that prince was passingly 
well beloved. So la Belle Isolde sent to Anglides, Prince 
Boudwine’s wife, and bade her avoid lightly [ escape quick - 
ly\ or else her young son Alisander Lorfelin should be 
slain. When she heard this, she took her horse and her 
young child Alisander, and rode her way, with such poor 
men as durst ride with her. 


CHAPTER XXXIV. 

How Anglides, Boudwine’s Wife, escaped with her Young Son Ali- 
sander Lorfelin, and came to the Castle of Arundel. 

N OTWITHSTANDING when King Mark had done 
this deed, yet he bethought him to do more ven- 
geance, and with his sword in his hand he sought from 
chamber to chamber to find Anglides and her young son. 
And when she was missed, he called a good knight that 
hight Sir Sadoc, and charged him upon pain of death to 
fetch Anglides again and her young son. So Sir Sadoc 
departed and rode after Anglides, and within ten mile he 
overtook her, and bade her turn again and ride with him 
unto King Mark. 

“Alas, fair knight,” said she, “what shall ye win by 
my son’s death, or by mine ? I have had overmuch harm, 
and too great a loss.” 


Of Sir Tristram. 


211 


“ Madam,” said Sir Sadoc, “of your loss is dole and 
pity ; but, madam, would you depart out of this country 
with your son Alisander, and keep him till he be of age, 
that he may revenge his father’s death, then would I 
suffer you to depart from me, so ye promise me to revenge 
the death of Prince Boudwine.” 

“Ah, gentle knight, Jesu thank thee, and if my son 
Alisander live to be a good knight, he shall have his 
father’s doublet and his shirt with the bloody marks ; and 
I shall give him such a charge that he shall remember it 
while he liveth.” 

And therewith Sir Sadoc departed from her, and either 
betook other to God. 

Now turn we unto Anglides, which rode both night and 
day by adventure out of Cornwall, and in a little and in 
few places she rested herself, but ever she drew south- 
ward unto the seaside, till by fortune she came to a castle 
that was called Magounce, and now it is called Arundel, 
in Southsex [Sussex]. And the constable of the castle 
welcomed her, and said she was welcome to her own 
castle. And there was Anglides worshipfully received, 
for the constable’s wife was nigh cousin to her. And the 
constable’s name was Bellangere, and the constable told 
dame Anglides that the same castle was hers by right 
inheritance. Then dame Anglides endured years and 
winters till that her son Alisander was big and strong. 
There was none so mighty in all that country, neither 
there was none that might do no manner of mastery afore 
hira. 


212 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER XXXV. 


How Anglides gave the Bloody Doublet unto Alisander her 
Son the same Day that he was made Knight, and the Chargb 

WITHAL. 



HEN upon a day Sir Bellangere the constable came 


A unto dame Anglides and said, “ Madam, it were 
time that my lord Alisander were made a knight, for he is 
a passing strong young man.” 

“ Sir,” said Anglides, “ I would he were made knight ; 
but then I must give him the most charge that ever sinful 
mother gave to her child.” 

“ Do as ye list,” said Sir Bellangere, “ and I shall give 
him warning that he shall be made knight. Now it will 
be well done that he may be made knight at our Ladyday 
in Lent.” 

“ Be it so,” said Anglides, “ and I pray you make ready 
therefore.” 

So came the constable to Alisander, and told him that 
he should at our Ladyday in Lent be made knight. 

“I thank God,” said Alisander, “these are the best 
tidings that ever came to me.” 

Then the constable ordained twenty of the greatest 
gentlemen’s sons, and the best born men of the country, 
that should be made knights that same day that Alisander 
was made knight. So on the same day that Alisander 
and his twenty fellows were made knights, at the offering 
of the mass there came Anglides unto her son, and said 
thus : “ O fair sweet son, I charge thee upon my blessing, 
and of the high order of chivalry that thou takest here 
this day, that thou understand what I shall say and charge 
thee withal.” 


Of Sir Tristram . 


213 


Therewithal she pulled out a bloody doublet and a 
bloody shirt, that were be-bled with old blood. When 
Alisander saw this, he started back and waxed pale, and 
said, “ Fair mother, what may this mean ? ” 

“ I shall tell thee, fair son ; this was thine own father’s 
doublet and shirt that he ware upon him that same day 
that he was slain.” 

And there she told him why and wherefore : and how 
for his goodness “King Mark slew him with his dagger 
afore mine own eyes. And therefore this shall be your 
charge, that I shall give thee. Now I require thee and 
charge thee upon my blessing, and upon the high order 
of knighthood, that thou be revenged upon King Mark 
for the death of thy father.” 

And therewithal she swooned. Then Alisander leaped 
to his mother, and took her up in his arms, and said, 
“ Fair mother, ye have given me a great charge, and here 
I promise you that I shall be avenged upon King Mark 
when I may, and that I promise unto God and unto you.” 

So this feast was ended. And the constable, by the 
advice of Anglides, let purvey that Sir Alisander was well 
horsed and well armed. Then he jousted with his twenty 
fellows that were made knights with him ; but for to make 
short tale, he overthrew all those twenty knights, so that 
none of them might withstand him a buffet. Then one 
of those knights departed for to go to King Mark, and 
told him ail how Sir Alisander was made knight, and all 
the charge that his mother gave him, as ye have heard 
before. 

“ Alas, false traitor ! ” said King Mark, “ I weened that 
young traitor had been dead ; alas ! whom may I trust ? ” 

And therewithal King Mark took a sword in his hand, 
and sought Sir Sadoc from chamber to chamber to slay 


214 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


him. When Sir Sadoc saw King Mark come with his 
sword drawn in his hand, he said thus : “ Beware, King 
Mark, thou come not near me, for wit thou well that I 
saved Alisander his life, of which I will never repent me, 
for thou falsely and cowardly slewest his father Boudwine, 
and traitorously, for his good deeds ; wherefore I pray God 
send Sir Alisander might and strength to be revenged 
upon thee : and now beware, King Mark, of young Sir 
Alisander, for he is made a knight.” 

“Alas,” said King Mark, “that ever I should hear a 
traitor say so before me.” 

And therewith four of King Mark’s knights drew their 
swords to slay Sir Sadoc ; but anon Sir Sadoc slew them 
all in King Mark’s presence. And so Sir Sadoc passed 
forth into his chamber, and took his horse and his harness, 
and rode his way a good pace ; for there was neither Sir 
Tristram, nor yet Sir Dinas the seneschal, nor Sir Fergus, 
that would Sir Sadoc any evil will. Then was King Mark 
wroth, and thought for to destroy Sir Alisander and also 
Sir Sadoc, that had saved his life ; for King Mark dreaded 
and hated Sir Alisander most of any man living. When 
Sir Tristram understood that Alisander was made knight, 
anon forthwithal he sent him a letter, praying him and 
charging him that he would draw him to the court of King 
Arthur, and that he put him in the rule and in the hands 
of Sir Launcelot. So this letter was sent to Alisander 
from his cousin Sir Tristram. And at that time he 
thought to do after his commandment. Then King Mark 
called a knight that brought him the tidings from Alisan- 
der, and bade him abide still in that country. 

“ Sir,” said that knight, “ so must I do, for in mine own 
country I dare not come.” 

“No force,” said King Mark: “I shall give thee here 
double as much lands as thou hadst of thine own ” 


Of Sir Tristram. 


215 

But within short space Sir Sadoc met with that false 
knight and slew him. Then was King Mark wood wroth 
out of measure. Then he sent unto Queen Morgan le 
Fay and to the queen of Northgalis, praying them in his 
letters that they two sorceresses would set all the country 
in fire, with ladies that were enchantresses, and by such 
that were dangerous knights, as Malgrin, and Breuse Sans 
Pitie ; that by no means Alisander Lorphelin should es- 
cape, but either he should be taken or slain. This ordi- 
nance made King Mark for to destroy Alisander. 


CHAPTER XXXVI. 

How Sir Alisander won the Prize at a Tournament, and of 
Morgan le Fay. And how he fought with Sir Malgrin and 
slew HIM. 

N OW turn we again unto Sir Alisander, that at his 
departing from his mother took with him his father’s 
bloody shirt. So that he bare with him always till his 
death day, in tokening to think on his father’s death. So 
was Alisander purposed for to ride to London (by the 
counsel of Sir Tristram) unto Sir Launcelot. And by 
fortune he went by the seaside, and rode wrong. And 
there he won at a tournament the degree, which tourna- 
ment King Carados made ; and there he smote down King 
Carados and twenty of his knights, and also Sir Safere a 
good knight, which was Sir Palamides’ brother. All this 
saw a damsel, and said she saw the best knight joust that 
ever she saw. And ever as he smote down knights, he 
made them for to swear to wear no harness in a twelve- 
months and a day. 


216 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“This is well said,” quoth Morgan le Fay, “this is the 
knight that I would fain see.” 

And so she took her palfrey, and rode a great while, 
and she rested her in her pavilion. So there came four 
knights, and two were armed and two were unarmed, and 
they told Morgan le Fay their names. The first was Sir 
Elias de Gomeret, the second was Sir Car de Gomeret ; 
those were armed. And the other twain were of Came- 
liard, cousins unto Queen Guenever, and the one hight Sir 
Guy, and that other hight Sir Garant, and those were un- 
armed. There these four knights told Queen Morgan le 
Fay how a young knight had smitten them down by a 
castle ; “ for the damsel of the castle said that he was but 
late made knight and young ; but as we suppose, but it 
it were Sir Tristram, or Sir Launcelot, or Sir Lamorak 
the good knight, there is none that might sit him buffet 
with a spear.” 

“Well,” said Queen Morgan le Fay, “I shall meet with 
that knight or it be long time, and he dwell in that coun- 
try.” 

So turn we unto the damsel of the castle, that when 
Sir Alisander Lorphelin had forj ousted \j ousted down ] the 
four knights, she called him unto her, and said, “Sir 
knight, wilt thou for my sake joust and fight with a knight 
of this country, the which is and hath been long time an 
evil neighbor unto me, and his name is called Sir Malgrin ; 
and he will not suffer me to be married in no manner of 
wise for all that I can do, or any knight for my sake.” 

“Damsel,” said Alisander, “and he come while I am 
here I will fight with him, and my poor body for your sake 
I will jeopard.” 

And therewithal she sent for him, for he was at her 
commandment. And when either had a sight of other 


Of Sir Tristram. 


217 


they made them ready for to joust, and they came together 
eagerly, and Malgrin bruised his spear upon Alisander, 
and Alisander smote him again so hard that he bare him 
quite from his saddle to the earth. But this Malgrin arose 
lightly and dressed his shield and drew his sword, and 
bade him alight, saying, “ Though thou have the better of 
me on horseback, shalt thou find that I shall endure like a 
knight on foot.” 

“ It is well said,” said Alisander. 

And so lightly he voided his horse, and betook him to 
his varlet. And then they rashed together like two boars, 
and laid on their helms and shields long time by the space 
of three hours, that never man could say which was the 
better knight. And in the meanwhile came Morgan le 
Fay to the damsel of the castle, and they beheld the 
battle. But this Malgrin was an old knight, and he was 
called one of the dangerous knights of the world to do 
battle on foot, but on horseback there were many better. 
And ever this Malgrin awaited to slay Alisander, and so 
wounded him wonderly sore, that it was marvel that ever 
he might stand, for he had bled so much blood : for Ali- 
sander fought wildly and not wittily. And that other was 
a felonious knight, and awaited him, and smote him sore. 
And sometime they rashed together with their shields like 
two boars or rams, and fell grovelling both to the earth. 

“Now knight,” said Malgrin, “hold thy hand awhile, 
•eind tell what thou art.” 

“ I will not,” said Alisander, “ but if me list. But tell 
me thy name, and why thou keepest this country, or else 
thou shalt die of my hands.” 

“Wit thou well,” said Malgrin, “that for the maiden’s 
love of this castle I have slain ten knights by mishap, and 
by outrage and pride of myself I have slain ten other 
knights.” 


2 l8 


The Boy’s King Arthur . 


“So God me help,” said Sir Alisander, “this is the 
foulest confession that ever I heard knight make, nor 
never heard I speak of other men of such a shameful con* 
fession, wherefore it were great pity and great shame to 
me that I should let thee live any longer ; therefore keep 
thee as well as thou mayst, for I promise thee faithfully 
as I am a true knight either thou shalt slay me or else I 
shall slay thee.” 

Then again they lashed together fiercely, and at the 
last Sir Alisander smote Sir Malgrin to the earth, and 
then he rashed off his helm and lightly smote off his 
head. And when he had thus done, and ended this 
battle, anon he called unto him his varlet, the which 
brought him his horse. And then weening to be strong 
enough he would have mounted, but he fell down flat to 
the earth for feebleness. The damsel of the castle seeing 
that, laid Sir Alisander in a horse litter, and led him to 
the castle, for he had neither force nor might to stand 
upon the ground ; for he had sixteen great wounds, and 
in especial one of them was like to be his death. 


CHAPTER XXXVII. 

flow Oueen Morgan le Fay had Sir Alisander in her Castle, 

AND HOW SHE HEALED HIS WOUNDS. 

T HEN Queen Morgan le Fay searched his wounds, 
and gave him such an ointment that he should have 
died. And in the morning after, when she came to him, 
he complained him sore, and then she put other ointments 
upon him, and then was he out of his pain. Then came 
the damsel of the castle, and said unto Morgan le Fay, 


Of Sir Tristram. 


219 


“I pray you, help me that this knight might wed me; 
for he hath won me with his hands.” 

“Ye shall see,” said Morgan le Fay, “what I shall 
say.” 

Then Morgan le Fay went to Sir Alisander and bade in 
any wise that he should refuse this lady “ if she desire to 
wed you, for she is not for you.” 

So the damsel came and desired of him marriage. 

“ Damsel,” said Lorphelin, “ I thank you, but as yet I 
cast me not to marry in this country.” 

“Sir,” said she, “sithen ye will not marry me, I pray 
you, insomuch as ye have won me, that ye will give me to 
a knight of this country that hath been my friend and 
loved me many years.” 

“With all my heart,” said Alisander, “I will assent 
thereto.” 

Then was the knight sent for ; his name was Sir Gerine 
le Grose. And anon he made them handfast and wedded 
them. Then came Queen Morgan le Fay to Alisander, 
and bade him arise, and put him in a horse-litter; and 
gave him such a drink that in three days and three nights 
he waked never but slept ; and so she brought him to her 
own castle, that at that time was called la Belle Regard, 
Then Morgan le Fay came to Alisander, and asked him 
if he would fain be whole. 

“ Who would be sick,” said Alisander, “ and he might 
be whole?” 

“Well,” said Morgan le Fay, “then shall ye promise 
me by your knighthood that this day twelvemonth and a 
day ye shall not pass the compass of this castle, and with- 
out doubt ye shall lightly be whole.” 

“ I assent,” said Sir Alisander. 

And there he made her a promise. Then was he soon 


220 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


whole. And when Alisander was whole then he repented 
him of his oath, for he might not be revenged upon King 
Mark. Right so there came a damsel that was cousin to 
the Earl of Pase, and she was cousin to Morgan le Fay. 
And by right that castle of la Belle Regard should have 
been hers by true inheritance. So this damsel entered 
into this castle where lay Alisander, and there she found 
him upon his bed, passing heavy and all sad. 


CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

How Sir Alisander was delivered from Queen Morgan le Fa* 
by the Means of a Damsel. 

S IR knight,” said the damsel, “if ye would be merry, 
I could tell you good tidings.” 

“Well were me,” said Sir Alisander, “and I might hear 
of good tidings, for I stand as a prisoner by my promise.” 

“Sir,” said she, “wit you well that ye be a prisoner, 
and worse than ye ween ; so God help me,” said the 
damsel, “and ye would love me and be ruled by me, I 
shall make your deliverance with your worship.” 

“Tell me,” said Sir Alisander, “by what means, and 
ye shall have my love.” 

“ Fair knight,” said she, “this castle of right ought for 
to be mine, and I have an uncle that is a mighty earl, for 
he is Earl of Pase, and of all folks he hateth most 
Morgan le Fay, and I shall send unto him, and pray him 
that for my sake he will destroy this castle for the evil 
customs that be used therein, and then will he come and 
set wildfire on every part of the castle, and I shall get 
you out at a privy postern, and there ye shall have your 
horse and your harness.” 


Of Sir Tristram. 


221 


“ Ye say well, damsel,” said Sir Alisander. 

And then she said, “Ye may keep the room of this 
castle these twelve months and a day, then break ye not 
your oath.” 

“Truly, fair damsel,” said Sir Alisander, “ye say 
sooth.” 

So anon she sent to her uncle, and bade him come 
and destroy that castle. When the earl understood her 
letters, he sent her word again that upon such a day he 
would come and destroy that castle. So when the day 
came, she showed Sir Alisander a postern, wherethrough 
he should flee into a garden, and there he should find his 
armor and his horse. [Then] came the Earl of Pase, with 
four hundred knights, and set fire on all the parts of the 
castle, that or they ceased they left not a stone standing. 
And all this while that the fire was in the castle, he 
abode still in the garden ; and when the fire was done, he 
let cry that he would keep that piece of earth there as 
the Castle of la Belle Regard was, twelve months and a 
day from all manner of knights that would come. So it 
happened that there was a duke that hight Anserus, and 
he was of the kin of Sir Launcelot. And this knight was 
a great pilgrim, for every third year he would be at Jeru- 
salem. And because he used all his life to go in pilgrim- 
age, men called him Duke Anserus the Pilgrim. And 
this duke had a daughter that hight Alice, that was a 
passing fair woman, and because of her father she was 
called Alice la Belle Pilgrim. And anon as she heard of 
this cry, she went unto Arthur’s court, and said openly in 
hearing of many knights, “that what knight may over- 
come that knight that keepeth that piece of earth shall 
have me and all my lands.” 

When the knights of the Round Table heard her say 


222 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


thus, many were glad, for she was passing fair, and of 
great rents. Right so she let cry in castles and towns a? 
fast on her side as Sir Alisander did on his side. Then 
she dressed her pavilion straight by the piece of earth 
that Alisander kept. So she was not so soon there but 
there came a knight of Arthur’s court, that hight Sagra- 
more le Desirous, and he proffered to joust with Alisander, 
and they encountered, and Sagramore le Desirous bruised 
his spear upon Sir Alisander, but Sir Alisander smote 
him so hard that he avoided his saddle. And when la 
Belle Alice saw him joust so well, she thought him a pass- 
ing goodly knight on horseback. And then she leaped out 
of her pavilion, and took Sir Alisander by the bridle, and 
thus she said : “ Fair knight, I require thee of thy knight- 
hood, show me thy visage.” 

“ I dare well,” said Alisander, “show my visage.” And 
then he put off his helm ; and when she saw his visage 
she said, “Truly, thee I must love and never other.” 

“ Then show me your visage,” said he. 


CHAPTER XXXIX. 

How Alisander met with Alice la Belle Pilgrim, and how he 

JOUSTED WITH TWO KNIGHTS ; AND AFTER OF HIM AND OF SlR MOR- 
DRED. 

T HEN she unwimpled her visage. And when he saw 
her he said, “ Here have I found my love and my 
lady. Truly, fair lady,” said he, “ I promise you to be your 
knight, and none other that beareth the life.” 

“Now, gentle knight,” said she, “tell me your name.” 
“My name is,” said he, “Alisander Lorphelin. Now, 
damsel, tell me your name,” said he. 


Of Sir Tristram. 


223 


“ My name is,” said she, “ Alice la Belle Pilgrim. And 
when we be more at our heart’s ease, both ye and I shall 
tell each other of what blood we be come.” So there was 
great love betwixt them. 

And as they thus talked, there came a knight that hight 
Ilarsouse le Berbuse, and asked part of Sir Alisander’s 
spears. Then Sir Alisander encountered with him, and at 
the first Sir Alisander smote him over his horse’s crupper. 
And then there came another knight that hight Sir Hew- 
gon. And Sir Alisander smote him down as he did that 
other. Then Sir Hewgon proffered to do battle on foot. 
Sir Alisander overcame him with three strokes, and there 
would have slain him had he not yielded him. So then 
Alisander made both those knights to swear to wear none 
armor in a twelvemonth and a day. Then Sir Alisander 
alighted down, and went to rest him and repose him. 
Then the damsel that helped Sir Alisander out of the 
castle, in her play told dame Alice altogether how he was 
prisoner of the castle of la Belle Regard : and there she 
told her how she gat him out of prison. 

“Sir,” said Alice la Belle Pilgrim, “me seemeth ye are 
much beholden to this maiden.” 

“ That is truth,” said Sir Alisander. And there Alice 
told him of what blood she was come. 

“ Sir, wit ye well,” she said, “ that I am of the blood of 
King Ban, that was father unto Sir Launcelot.” 

“Ye wis, fair lady,” said Alisander, “my mother told 
me that my father was brother unto a king, and I am nigh 
cousin to Sir Tristram.” 

Then this while came there three knights, that one 
hight Vains, and that other hight Harvis of the Marches, 
and the third hight Perin of the Mountain. And with 
one spear Sir Alisander smote them down all three, and 


224 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


gave them such falls that they had no lust [desire] to fight 
on foot ; so he made them to swear to wear no armor in 
twelve months. So when they were departed, Sir Alb 
sander beheld his lady Alice on horseback as she stood in 
her pavilion, and then he was so enamoured upon her that 
he wist not whether he was on horseback or on foot. 
Right so came the false knight Sir Mordred, and saw that 
Sir Alisander was assotted on his lady ; and therewithal 
took his horse by the bridle and led him here and there, 
and had thought to have led him out of that place to have 
shamed him. When the damsel that had helped him out 
of the castle saw how shamefully he was led, anon she let 
arm her, and set a shield on her shoulder, and forthwith 
she mounted upon his horse, and gat a naked sword in 
her hand, and she thrust unto Sir Alisander with all her 
might, and she gave him such a buffet that he thought 
the fire flew out of his eyes. And when Sir Alisander 
felt that stroke, he looked about him, and drew out his 
sword ; and when he saw that she fled, and Sir Mordred 
also, into the forest, and the damsel fled into her pavilion, 
so when Sir Alisander understood himself how the false 
knight would have shamed him, had not the damsel been, 
then was he passing wroth with himself that Sir Mordred 
had so escaped his hands. But then Sir Alisander and 
dame Alice had good game at the damsel, how sadly she 
!iit him upon the helm. Then Sir Alisander jousted thus 
day by day, and on foot he did many battles with many 
knights of King Arthur’s court, and with many knights 
strangers. Therefore to tell all the battles that he did, it 
were overmuch to rehearse them all, for every day within 
those twelve months he had to do with one knight or 
other, and some day he had to do with three or four, and 
there was never knight that put him to the worse. And at 


Of Sir Tristram . 


225 


the twelvemonth’s end he departed with his lady Alice la 
Belle Pilgrim. And the damsel would never go from him. 
And so they went into their country of Benoy, and lived 
there in great joy. 


CHAPTER XL. 

How Sir Tristram met with Sir Dinadan, and of their Devices, 

AND WHAT HE SAID UNTO SlR GAWAINE’S BRETHREN. 

N OW turn we unto Sir Tristram, that, as he rode on 
hunting, he met with Sir Dinadan, that was come 
into that country for to seek Sir Tristram. Then Sir 
Dinadan told Sir Tristram his name, but Sir Tristram 
would not tell his name ; wherefor Sir Dinadan was 
wroth. 

“ For such a foolish knight as ye are,” said Sir Dinadan, 
“ I saw but late to-day lying by a well, and he fared as 
he had slept, and there he lay like a fool grinning and 
would not speak, and his shield lay by him, and his horse 
stood by him, and well I wot he was a lover.” 

“ Ah, fair sir,” said Sir Tristram, “are ye not a lover?’ 
“ Marry, fie upon that craft,” said Sir Dinadan. 

“That is evil said,” quoth Sir Tristram, “fora knight 
may never be of prowess, but if he be a lover.” 

“ It is well said,” quoth Sir Dinadan ; “ now tell me 
your name, sith ye be a lover, or else I shall do battle 
with you.” 

“As for that,” said Sir Tristram, “it is no reason to 
fight with me but I tell you my name ; as for that, my 
name shall ye not know as at this time.” 

“ Fie for shame,” said Sir Dinadan, “ art thou a knight 


226 The Boy's King Arthur. 

and darest not tell me thy name ? therefore I will fight 
with thee.” 

“ As for that,” said Sir Tristram, “ I will be advised, 
for I will not fight but if me list ; and if I do battle,” 
said Sir Tristram, “ye are not able for to withstand me.” 

“ Fie on thee, coward,” said Sir Dinadan. 

And thus as they still hoved, they saw a knight come 
riding against them. 

“Lo,” said Sir Tristram, “see where cometh a knight 
riding that will joust with you.” 

Anon, as Sir Dinadan beheld him, he said, “ It is the 
same doting knight that I saw lie by the well neither 
sleeping nor waking.” 

“Well,” said Sir Tristram, “I know that knight full 
well with the covered shield of azure ; he is the king’s 
son of Northumberland, his name is Epinegris, and he is 
as great a lover as I know, and he loveth the king’s 
daughter of Wales, a full fair lady. And now I suppose,” 
said Sir Tristram, “and ye require him he will joust with 
you ; and then shall ye prove whether a lover be a better 
knight or ye that will not love no lady.” 

“ Well,” said Sir Dinadan, “ now shalt thou see what I 
shall do.” 

Therewithal Sir Dinadan spake on high and said, “ Sir 
knight, make thee ready to joust with me, for it is the 
custom of errant knights one to joust with the other.” 

“Sir,” said Epinegris, “is it the rule of you errant 
knights for to make a knight to joust will he or nill ? ” 

“As for that,” said Dinadan, “make thee ready, for 
ftere is for me.” 

And therewithal they spurred their horses, and met 
together so hard that Epinegris smote down Sir Dinadan. 
Then Sir Tristram rode to Sir Dinadan, and said, “ How 
now ? me seemeth the lover hath right well sped.” 


Of Sir Tristram . 


227 


“Fie upon thee, coward,” said Sir Dinadan, “and if 
thou be any good knight, now revenge my shame.” 

“Nay,” said Sir Tristram, “I will not joust as at this 
time, but take your horse and let us go from hence.” 

“God defend me,” said Sir Dinadan, “from thy fellow- 
ship, for I never sped well sith I met with thee.” 

And so they departed. 

“Well/’ said Sir Tristram, “ peradventure I could tell 
you tidings of Sir Tristram.” 

“ God defend me,” said Sir Dinadan, “from thy fellow- 
ship, for Sir Tristram were much the worse and he were 
in thy company.” 

And then they departed. 

“Sir,” said Sir Tristram, “yet it may happen that 1 
shall meet with you in other places.” 

And so Sir Tristram rode unto Joyous Gard, and there 
heard in that town great noise and cry. 

“What meaneth this noise ? ” said Sir Tristram. 

“ Sir,” said they, “ here is a knight of this castle which 
hath been long among us, and right now he is slain with 
two knights, and for none other cause but that our knight 
said that Sir Launcelot was a better knight than was Sir 
Gawaine.” 

“That was but a simple cause,” said Sir Tristram, “to 
slay a good knight because he said well by his master.” 

“ That is but a little remedy unto us,” said the men of 
the town ; “ for if Sir Launcelot had been here, soon we 
should have been revenged upon those false knights.” 

When Sir Tristram heard them say so, incontinent he 
sent for his shield and for his spear, and lightly within a 
little while he had overtaken them, and bade them turn 
and amend that they had misdone, 

“ What amends vouldst thou have ? ” said that one 
knight. 


228 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


And therewith they took their course, and either met 
other so hard, that Sir Tristram smote down that knight 
over his horse’s crupper. Then the other knight dressed 
him unto Sir Tristram, and in the same wise as he served 
the first knight, so he served him. And then they gat 
them upon their feet as well as they might, and dressed 
their shields and their swords to do their battle unto the 
uttermost. 

“Knights,” said Sir Tristram, “ye shall tell me of 
whence ye are and what be your names.” 

“ Wit thou well, sir knight,” said they, “ we fear us not 
to tell thee our names, for my name is Sir Agravaine, and 
my name is Gaheris, brethren unto the good knight Sir 
Gawaine, and we be nephews unto King Arthur.” 

“ Well,” said Sir Tristram, “ for King Arthur’s sake I 
shall let you pass as at this time. But it is shame,” said 
Sir Tristram, “that Sir Gawaine and ye that be come of 
so great a blood, that ye four brethren are so named as ye 
be. For ye be called the greatest destroyers and mur- 
derers of good knights that be now in this realm ; for it 
is but as I heard say, that Sir Gawaine and ye slew among 
you a better knight than ever ye were, that was the noble 
knight Sir Lamorak de Galis ; and it had pleased God,” 
said Sir Tristram, “I would I had been by Sir Lamorak 
at his death.” 

“ Then shouldest thou have gone the same way,” said 
Sir Gaheris. 

“Fair knight,” said Sir Tristram, “there must have 
been many more knights than ye are.” 

And therewithal Sir Tristram departed from them 
toward Joyous Gard. And when he was departed they 
took their horses, and the one said to the other, “ We will 
overtake him and be revenged upon him in the despite of 
Sir Lamorak.” 


Of Sir Tristram . 


229 


CHAPTER XLI. 

How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, 
and how Sir Dinadan was sent for by la Belle Isolde. 

S O when they had overtaken Sir Tristram, Sir Agra- 
vaine bade him, “Turn, traitor knight.” 

“That is evil said,” said Sir Tristram ; and therewith 
he pulled out his sword, and smote Sir Agravaine such a 
buffet upon the helm that he tumbled down off his horse 
in a swoon, and he had a grievous wound. And then he 
turned to Gaheris, and Sir Tristram smote his sword and 
his helm together with such a might that Gaheris fell out 
of his saddle ; and so Sir Tristram rode unto Joyous 
Gard, and there he alighted and unarmed him. So Sir 
Tristram told la Belle Isolde of all his adventure as ye 
have heard tofore. And when she heard him tell of Sir 
Dinadan, “ Sir,” she said, “ is not that he that made the 
song by King Mark ? ” 

“That same is he,” said Sir Tristram, “for he is the 
best joker and jester, and a noble knight of his hands, 
and the best fellow that I know, and all good knights love 
his fellowship.” 

“ Alas, sir,” said she, “ why brought ye not him with 
you ? ” 

“Have ye no care,” said Sir Tristram, “for he rideth to 
seek me in this country, and therefore he will not away 
till he have met with me.” 

And there Sir Tristram told la Belle Isolde how Sir 
Dinidan held against all lovers. Right so there came in 
a varlet and :old Sir Tristram how there was come an 
errant knight into the town with such colors upon his 
shield. 


230 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“That is Sir Dinadan,” said Sir Tristram. “Wit ye 
what ye shall do ? ” said Sir Tristram ; “ send ye for him, 
my lady Isolde, and I will not be seen, and ye shall hear 
the merriest knight that ever ye spake withal, and the 
maddest talker, and I pray you heartily that ye make him 
good cheer.” 

Then anon la Belle Isolde sent into the town, and 
prayed Sir Dinadan that he would come into the castle 
and rest him there with a lady. 

“ With a good will,” said Sir Dinadan ; and so he 
mounted upon his horse, and rode into the castle ; and 
there he alighted, and was unarmed and brought into the 
castle. Anon la Belle Isolde came unto him, and either 
saluted other. Then she asked him of whence he was. 

“ Madam,” said Sir Dinadan, “ I am of King Arthur’s 
court, and knight of the Round Table, and my name is 
Sir Dinadan.” 

“What do ye in this country ? ” said la Belle Isolde. 

“ Madam,” said he, “ I seek the noble knight Sir Tris- 
tram, for it was told me that he was in this country.” 

“ It may well be,” said la Belle Isolde, “ but I am not 
ware of him.” 

“ Madam,” said Sir Dinadan, “ I marvel of Sir Tristram 
and moe other lovers, what aileth them to be so mad and 
so assotted upon women.” 

“ Why,” said la Belle Isolde, “ are ye a knight and be 
ye no lover ? it is a shame unto you ; wherefore ye may 
not be called a good knight, but if that ye make a quarrel 
for a lady.” 

“God defend me,” said Sir Dinadan, “for the joy of 
love is too short, and the sorrow and what cometh thereof 
endureth over long.” 

“ Ah ! ” said la Belle Isolde, “ say ye not so, for here 


Of Sir Tristram . 


23 


fast by was the good knight Sir Bleoberis, which fought 
with three knights at once for a damsel’s sake, and he 
won her before the king of Northumberland.” 

“It was so,” said Sir Dinadan, “for I know him well for 
a good knight and a noble, and come of noble blood ; for 
all be noble knights of whom he is come of, that is Sir 
Launcelot du Lake.” 

“Now I pray you,” said a Belle Isolde, “tell me will 
ye fight for my love with three knights that did me great 
wrong ? and insomuch as ye be a knight of King Arthur’s 
court, I require you to do battle for me.” 

Then Sir Dinadan said, “ I shall say unto you, ye are as 
fair a lady as ever I saw any, and much fairer than is my 
lady Queen Guenever ; but wit ye well at one word that 
I will not fight for you with three knights, Jesu defend 
me.” 

Then Isolde laughed, and had good game at him. So 
he had all the cheer that she might make him ; and there 
he lay all that night. And on the morn early Sir Tris- 
tram armed him, and la Belle Isolde gave him a good 
helm ; and then he promised her that he would meet with 
Sir Dinadan, and they two would ride together unto Lona- 
zep, where the tournament should be, “ and there shall I 
make ready for you, where ye shall see the tournament.” 
Then departed Sir Tristram with two squires that bares 
his shield and his spears that were great and long. 


232 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER XLII. 

How Sir Dinadan met with Sir Tristram, and with jousting with 
Sir Palamides Sir Dinadan knew him. 

T HEN after that, Sir Dinadan departed and rode his 
way a great pace until he had overtaken Sir Tris- 
tram. And when Sir Dinadan had overtaken him, he 
knew him anon, and he hated the fellowship of him 
above all other knights. 

“Ah,” said Sir Dinadan, “art thou that coward knight 
that I met with yesterday, keep thee, for thou shalt joust 
with me, maugre thy head.” 

“Well,” said Sir Tristram, “and I am loth to joust.” 
And so they let their horses run, and Sir Tristram 
missed of him a purpose, and Sir Dinadan brake a spear 
upon Sir Tristram ; and therewith Sir Dinadan dressed 
himself to draw out his sword. 

“Not so,” said Sir Tristram, “why are ye so wroth ? I 
will not fight.” 

“ Fie on thee, coward,” said Sir Dinadan, “ thou shamest 
all knights.” 

“As for that,” said Sir Tristram, “ I care not, for I will 
wait upon you and be under your protection, for because 
ye are so good a knight ye may save me.” 

“ The devil deliver me of thee,” said Sir Dinadan, “ for 
thou art as goodly a man of arms and of thy person as 
ever I saw, and the most coward that ever I saw. What 
wilt thou do with those great spears that thou carriest 
with thee ? ” 

“I shall give them,” said Sir Tristram, “to some good 
knight when I come to the tournament ; and if I see you 
do best I shall give them to you.” 


Of Sir Tristram . 


233 


So thus as they rode talking they saw where came an 
errant knight afore them dressing him for to joust. 

“Lo,” said Sir Tristram, “ yonder is one will joust; 
now dress thee to him.” 

“Ah! shame betide thee!” said Sir Dinadan. 

“Nay, not so,” said Sir Tristram, “for that knight 
seemeth a shrew.” 

“ Then shall I,” said Sir Dinadan. 

And so they dressed their shields and their spears, and 
they met together so hard that the other knight smote 
down Sir Dinadan from his horse. 

“Lo,” said Sir Tristram, “it had been better that ye 
had left.” 

“ Fie on thee, coward ! ” said Sir Dinadan. 

Then Sir Dinadan started up, and gat his sword in his 
hand, and proffered to do battle on foot. 

“ Whether in love or in wrath ? ” said the other knight. 

“ Let us do battle in love,” said Sir Dinadan. 

“ What is your name ? ” said that knight, “ I pray you 
tell me.” 

“ Wit ye well my name is Sir Dinadan.” 

“Ah, Sir Dinadan,” said that knight, “and my name 
is Sir Gareth, the youngest brother unto Sir Gawaine.” 

Then either made of other great joy, for this Sir Gareth 
was the best knight of all those brethren, and he proved a 
full good knight. Then they took their horses, and there 
they spake of Sir Tristram, how he was such a coward. 
And every word Sir Tristram heard, and laughed them to 
scorn. Then were they ware where there came a knight 
before them well horsed and well armed. 

“ Fair knights,” said Sir Tristram, “ look between you 
who shall joust with yonder knight, for I warn you I wif 
not have to do with him.” 


234 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“Then shall I,” said Sir Gareth. 

And so they encountered together, and there that 
knight smote down Sir Gareth over his horse’s crupper. 

“How now?” said Sir Tristram unto Sir Dinadan, 
“dress thee now, and revenge the good knight Sir 
Gareth.” 

“That shall I not,” said Sir Dinadan, “for he hath 
stricken down a much bigger knight than I am.” 

“Ah!” said Sir Tristram, “now Sir Dinadan, I see 
and perceive full well that your heart faileth you, there- 
fore now shall ye see what I shall do.” 

And then Sir Tristram hurled unto that knight, and 
smote him quite from his horse. And when Sir Dina- 
dan saw that, he marvelled greatly, and then he deemed 
in himself that it was Sir Tristram. Then this knight 
that was on foot pulled out his sword to do battle. 

“ What is your name ? ” said Sir Tristram. 

“ Wit ye well,” said the knight, “ my name is Sir Pala- 
mides.” 

“ What knight hate ye most ? ” said Sir Tristram. 

“Sir knight,” said he, “I hate Sir Tristram to the 
death, for and I may meet with him the one of us shall 
die.” 

“Ye say well,” said Sir Tristram, “and wit ye well that 
I am Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, and now do your worst.” 

When Sir Palamides heard him say so he was aston- 
ished, and then he said thus, “ I pray you, Sir Tristram, 
forgive me all mine evil will, and if I live I shall do you 
service above all other knights that be living, and there as 
I have owed you evil will me sore repenteth. I wot not 
what aileth me, for me seemeth that ye are a good knight, 
and none other knight that named himself a good knight 
should not hate you ; therefore I require you, Sir Tris- 
tram, take no displeasure at mine unkind words.” 


Of Sir Tristram . 


235 


“Sir Palamides,” said Sir Tristram, “ye say well, and 
well I wot ye are a good knight, for I have seen you 
proved, and many great enterprises have ye taken upon 
you, and well achieved them ; therefore,” said Sir Tris- 
tram, “ and ye have any evil will to me, now may ye right 
it, for I am ready at your hand.” 

“ Not so, my lord Sir Tristram ; I will do you knightly 
service in all things as ye will command.” 

“And right so I will take you,” said Sir Tristram. 

And so they rode forth on their ways, talking of many 
things. 

“ Oh my lord Sir Tristram,” said Dinadan, “ foul have 
ye mocked me, for truly I came into this country for your 
sake, and by the advice of my lord Sir Launcelot, and yet 
would not Sir Launcelot tell me the certainty of you, 
where I should find you.” 

“Truly,” said Sir Tristram, “Sir Launcelot wist well 
where I was, for I abode within his own castle.” 


CHAPTER XLIII. 


HOW THEY APPROACHED THE CASTLE OF LONAZEP, AND OF OTHER 


Devices of the Death of Sir Lamorak. 


HUS they rode until they were ware of the Castle of 



JL Lonazep, and then were they ware of four hundred 
tents and pavilions, and marvellous great ordinance. “ So 
God me help,” said Sir Tristram, “yonder I see the great- 
est ordinance that ever I saw.” 

“ Sir,” said Sir Palamides, “ me seemeth there was as 
great an ordinance at the Castle of Maidens upon the 
rock, where ye won the prize, for I saw myself where ye 
for jousted thirty knights.” 


236 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“ Sir,” said Sir Dinadan, “ and in Surluse, at that tour- 
nament that Sir Galahalt of the long isles made, the which 
lasted seven days, was as great a gathering as is here, for 
there were many nations.” 

“ Who was the best ? ” said Sir Tristram. 

“Sir, it was Sir Launcelot du Lake, and the noble 
knight Sir Lamorak de Galis ; Sir Launcelot won the de- 
gree.” 

“ I doubt not,” said Sir Tristram, “ but he won the 
degree, so that he had not been overmatched with many 
knights. And of the death of Sir Lamorak,” said Sir Tris- 
tram, “ it was over great pity, for I dare say that he was 
the cleanest mighted man, and the best winded of his age 
that was on live, for I knew him that he was the biggest 
knight that ever I met withal, but if it were Sir Launce- 
lot. Alas ! ” said Sir Tristram, “ full woe is me of his 
death, and, if they were all the cousins of my lord King 
Arthur that slew him, they should die for it, and all those 
that were consenting to his death. And for such things,” 
said Sir Tristram, “I fear to draw unto the court of 
my lord King Arthur. I will that ye wit it,” said Sir 
Tristram to Sir Gareth. 

“Sir, I blame you not,” said Sir Gareth, “for well I 
understand the vengeance of my brethren Sir Gawaine, 
Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred ; but for 
me,” said Gareth, “I meddle not of their matters, there- 
fore there is none of them that loveth me, and, for I under- 
stand they be murderers of good knights, I left their 
company, and would God I had been by,” said Sir Gareth, 
“when the noble knight Sir Lamorak was slain.” 

“Now as Jesu be my help,” said Sir Tristram, “it is 
well said of you, for I had liever than all the gold between 
this and Rome I had been there.” 


Of Sir Tristram. 


237 


“Truly,” said Sir Palamides, “I would I had been 
there, and yet I had never the degree at no jousts *here 
as he was, but he put me to the worse on foot or on 
horseback, and that day that he was slain he did the most 
deeds of arms that ever I saw knight do all the days of 
my life. And when the degree was given him by my lord 
King Arthur, Sir Gawaine and his three brethren, Sir 
Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, set upon Sir 
Lamorak in a privy place, and there they slew his horse, 
and so they fought with him on foot more than three 
hours, both before him and behind him. And Sir Mor- 
dred gave him his death wound behind him at his back, 
and all to-hewed him ; for one of his squires told me that 
saw it.” 

“Fie upon treason,” said Sir Tristram, “for it killeth 
my heart to hear this tale.” 

“ So doth it mine,” said Sir Gareth ; “ brethren as they 
be mine, I shall never love them nor draw me to their 
fellowship for that deed.” 

“ Now speak we of other deeds,” said Sir Palamides, 
“and let him be, for his life ye may not get again.” 

“That is the more pity,” said Sir Dinadan, “for Sir 
Gawaine and his brethren (except you, Sir Gareth) hate 
all the good knights of the Round Table for the most 
part ; for well I wot, and they might privily, they hate 
my lord Sir Launcelot and all his kin, and great privy 
despite they have at him, and that is my lord Sir Launce- 
lot well ware of, and that causeth him to have the good 
knights of his kindred about him.” 


238 The Boy's King Arthur. 


CHAPTER XLIV. 

HOW THEY CAME TO HUMBER BANK, AND HOW THEY FOUND A SHIF 
THERE, WHEREIN LAY THE BODY OF KING HERMANCE. 

S IR,” said Palamides, “let us leave off this matter, and 
let us see how we shall do at this tournament. By 
mine advice,” said Palamides, “let us four hold together 
against all that will come.” 

“Not by my counsel,” said Sir Tristram, “for I see by 
their pavilions there will be four hundred knights, and 
doubt ye not,” said Sir Tristram, “ but there will be many 
good knights, and be a man never so valiant nor so big 
yet he may be over-matched. And so I have seen knights 
done many times : and when they wend best to have won 
worship they lost it. For manhood is not worth but if it 
be meddled \mingled\ with wisdom : and as for me,” said 
Sir Tristram, “it may happen I shall keep mine own head 
as well as another.” 

So thus they rode until that they came to Humber 
bank, where they heard a cry and a doleful noise. Then 
were they ware in the wind where came a rich vessel 
covered over with red silk, and the vessel landed fast by 
them. Therewith Sir Tristram alighted and his knights. 
And so Sir Tristram went afore and entered into that 
vessel. And when he came within, he saw a fair bed 
richly covered, and thereupon lay a dead seemly knight, 
all armed, save the head was all be-bled, with deadly 
wounds upon him : the which seemed to be a passing 
good knight. 

“How may this be,” said Sir Tristram, “that this 
knight is thus slain ? ” Then Sir Tristram was ware of 


Of Sir Tristram . 


239 


a letter in the dead knight’s hand. “ Master mariners,” 
said Sir Tristram, “what meaneth that letter?” 

“ Sir,” said they, “ in that letter ye shall hear and know 
how he was slain, and for what cause, and what was his 
name; but, sir,” said the mariners, “wit ye well that no 
man shall take that letter and read it but if he be a good 
knight, and that he will faithfully promise to revenge his 
death, else shall there no knight see that letter open.” 

“Wit ye well,” said Sir Tristram, “that some of us 
may revenge his death as well as others ; and if it be as 
ye say it shall be revenged.” And therewith Sir Tristram 
took the letter out of the knight’s hand, and it said thus : 
“ Hermance, king and lord of the Red City, I send to 
all knights errant recommendation, and unto you, noble 
knights of King Arthur’s court, I beseech them all among 
them to find one knight that will fight for my sake with 
two brethren, that I brought up of nought, and feloniously 
and traitorously they have slain me, wherefore I beseech 
one good knight to revenge my death ; and he that re- 
vengeth my death I will that he have my Red City and 
all my castles.” 

“Sir,” said the mariners, “wit ye well this king and 
knight that here lieth was a full worshipful man, and of 
full great prowess, and full well he loved all manner of 
knights errant.” 

“Truly,” said Sir Tristram, “here is a piteous case, 
and full fain I would take this enterprise upon me, but I 
have made such a promise that needs I must be at this 
great tournament or else I am shamed. For well I wot 
for my sake in especial my lord Arthur let make this 
jousts and . tournament in this country ; and well I wot 
that many worshipful people will be there at that tourna- 
ment for to see me. Therefore I fear me to take this 


240 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


enterprise upon me, that I shall not come again betimes 
to this jousts.” 

“ Sir,” said Palamides, “ I pray you give me this enter- 
prise, and ye shall see me achieve it worshipfully, or else 
I shall die in this quarrel.” 

“ Well,” said Sir Tristram, “ and this enterprise I give 
you, with this that ye be with me at this tournament, 
that shall be as at this day seven night.” 

“ Sir,” said Palamides, “ I promise you that I shall be 
with you by that day if I be unslain or unmaimed.” 


CHAPTER XLV. 


How Sir Tristram with his Fellowship came and were with an 
Host which after fought with Sir Tristram; and other 
Matters. 



'HEN departed Sir Tristram, Gareth, and Sir Dina- 


-L dan, and left Sir Palamides in the vessel ; and so 
Sir Tristram beheld the mariners how they sailed along 
Humber. And when Sir Palamides was out of their 
sight, they took their horses, and beheld about them. 
And then were they ware of a knight that came riding 
against them unarmed, and nothing about him but a 
sword. And when this knight came nigh them he saluted 
them, and they him again. 

“ Fair knights,” said that knight, “ I pray you insomuch 
as ye be knights errant, that ye will come and see my 
castle, and take such as ye find there ; I pray you 
heartily.” 

And so they rode with him into his castle ; and there 
they were brought to the hall, that was well apparelled, 


Of Sir Tristram . 


241 


and so they were unarmed and set at a board. And when 
this knight saw Sir Tristram, anon he knew him ; and 
then this knight waxed pale and wroth at Sir Tristram. 
When Sir Tristram saw his host make such cheer, he 
marvelled greatly, and said, “ Sir mine host, what cheer 
make ye ? ” 

“Wit thou well,” said he, “I fare much the worse for 
thee; for I know thee well, Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, 
thou slewest my brother, and therefore I give thee sum- 
mons that I will slay thee and I may get thee at large.” 

“Sir knight,” said Sir Tristram, “I am not advised 
that ever I slew any brother of yours ; and if ye say that 
I did it, I will make you amends unto my power.” 

“I will none of your amends,” said the knight, “but 
keep thee from me.” 

So when he had dined, Sir Tristram asked his arms and 
departed ; and so they rode forth on their way. And 
within a little while Sir Dinadan saw where came a knight 
riding all armed and well horsed without shield. 

“Sir Tristram,” said Sir Dinadan, “take heed to your- 
self, for I undertake that yonder cometh your host that 
will have to do with you.” 

“ Let him come,” said Sir Tristram, “ I shall abide him 
as well as I may.” 

Anon that knight when he came nigh Sir Tristram he 
cried to him, and bade him abide and keep him well. So 
they hurled together, but Sir Tristram smote the other 
knight so sore that he bare him to the ground. And that 
knight arose lightly, and took his horse again, and so rode 
fiercely to Sir Tristram, and smote him twice full hard 
upon the helm. “ Sir knight,” said Sir Tristram, “ I pray 
you to leave off and smite me no more, for I would be 
'.oth to deal with you and I might choose, for I have 


242 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


your meat and your drink within my body.” For all that 
he would not leave ; and then Sir Tristram gave him such 
a buffet upon the helm that he tumbled upside down 
from his horse, that the blood brast out at the ventails 
of his helm; and there he lay still likely to have died. 
Then Sir Tristram said, “Me repent eth sore of this buffet 
that I smote so sore, for, as I suppose, he is dead.” 

And so they departed and rode forth on their way. So 
they had not ridden but a while but they saw coming 
against them two full likely knights, well armed and 
horsed, and goodly servants about them. The one was 
called the king with the hundred knights, and that other 
was Sir Segwarides, which were renowned two noble 
knights. So as they came either by other, the king 
looked upon Sir Dinadan, which at that time had Sir 
Tristram’s helm upon his shoulder, which helm the king 
had seen before with the queen of Northwales, and that 
helm the queen of Northwales had given unto la Belle 
Isolde, and the Queen la Belle Isolde gave it unto Sir 
Tristram. 

“Sir knight,” said [the king], “where had ye that 
helm?” 

“ What would ye ? ” said Sir Dinadan. 

“For I will have ado with thee,” said the king, “for 
the love of her that owned that helm, and therefore keep 
you.” 

So they departed and came together with all the mights 
of their horses; and there the king with the hundred 
knights smote Sir Dinadan, horse and all, to the earth ; 
and then he commanded his servant, “ Go and take thou 
his helm off, and keep it.” 

So the varlet went to unbuckle his helm. 

“ What helm ? What wilt thou do ? ” said Sir Tristram ; 
“ leave that helm.” 


Of Sir Tristram. 


243 


“To what intent/’ said the king, “will ye, sir knight, 
meddle with that helm ? ” 

“Wit you well,” said Sir Tristram, “that helm shall 
not depart from me, or it be dearer bought.” 

“Then make you ready,” said [the king] unto Sir Tris- 
tram. 

So they hurtled together, and there Sir Tristram smote 
him down over his horse’s tail. And then the king arose 
lightly, and gat his horse lightly again, and then he struck 
fiercely at Sir Tristram many great strokes. And then 
Sir Tristram gave [the king] such a buffet upon the helm 
that he fell down over his horse, sore stunned. 

“ Lo,” said Sir Dinadan, “ that helm is unhappy to us 
twain, for I had a fall for it, and now, sir king, have ye 
another fall.” 

Then Segwarides asked, “Who shall joust with me ?” 

“I pray thee,” said Sir Gareth unto Dinadan, “let me 
have this jousts.” 

“ Sir,” said Dinadan, “ I pray you take it as for me.” 

“That is no reason,” said Tristram, “for this jousts 
should be yours.” 

“At a word,” said Sir Dinadan, “I will not thereof.” 

Then Gareth dressed him to Sir Segwarides, and there 
Sir Segwarides smote Sir Gareth and his horse to the 
earth. 

“Now,” said Sir Tristram to Dinadan, “joust with 
yonder knight.” 

“ I will not thereof,” said Dinadan. 

“ Then will I,” said Sir Tristram. 

And then Sir Tristram ran to him and gave him a fall, 
and so they left them on foot. And Sir Tristram rode 
unto Joyous Gard, and there Sir Gareth would not of his 
courtesy have gone into the castle, but Sir Tristram 


244 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


would not suffer him to depart ; and so they alighted, 
and unarmed them, and had there great cheer. But when 
Sir Dinadan came afore la Belle Isolde, he cursed the 
time that ever he bare the helm of Sir Tristram, and there 
lie told her how Sir Tristram had mocked him. Then 
was there good laughing and sport at Sir Dinadan, that 
they wist not what to do to keep them from laughing. 


CHAPTER XL VI. 


How Sir Palamides went for to fight with Two Brethren for 


the Death of King Hermance. 


OW will we leave them merry within Joyous Gard, 



1 ^1 and speak we of Sir Palamides. Then Sir Pala- 
mides sailed even along Humber unto the coast of the 
sea, where was a fair castle, and at that time it was early 
in the morning afore day. Then the mariners went unto 
Sir Palamides, that was fast on sleep : “ Sir knight,” said 
the mariners, “ ye must arise, for here is a castle into the 
which ye must go.” 

“ I assent me therto,” said Sir Palamides. 

And therewithal he arrived ; and then he blew his horn, 
the which the mariners had given him. And when they 
that were within the castle heard that horn, they put forth 
many knights, and there they stood upon the walls and 
said with one voice, “Welcome be ye to this castle.” 
And then it waxed clear day, and Sir Palamides entered 
into the castle. And within a while he was served with 
many divers meats. Then .Sir Palamides heard about him 
much weeping and great dole. “ What may this mean ? ” 
said Sir Palamides : “ I love not to hear such a sorrow, 
and fain I would know what it meaneth.” 


Of Sir Tristram . 


245 


Then there came afore him one whose name was Sir 
Ebel, that said thus, “ Wit ye well, sir knight, this dole 
and sorrow is here made every day, and for this cause : 
we had a king that hight Hermance, and he was king of 
the Red City, and this king that was lord was a noble 
knight, large and liberal of his expense. And in the 
world he loved nothing so much as he did errant knights 
of King Arthur’s court, and all jousting, hunting, and all 
manner of knightly games ; for so kind a king and knight 
had never the rule of poor people as he was ; and because 
of his goodness and gentleness we bemoan him and ever 
shall. And all kings and estates may beware by our lord, 
for he was destroyed in his own default, for had he 
cherished them of his blood he had yet lived with great 
riches and rest ; but all estates may beware of our king. 
But alas,” said Ebel, “ that we shall give all other warning 
by his death.” 

“Tell me,” said Palamides, “in what manner was your 
lord slain, and by whom ? ” 

“Sir,” said Sir Ebel, “our king brought up of children 
two men that now are perilous knights, and these two 
knights our king had so in charity, that he loved no man 
nor trusted no man of his blood, nor none other that was 
about him. And by these two knights our king was gov- 
erned, and so they ruled him peaceably, and his lands, and 
never would they suffer none of his blood to have no rule 
with our king. And also he was so free and so gentle, 
and they so false and deceivable, that they ruled him 
peaceably ; and that espied the lords of our king’s blood, 
and departed from him unto their own livelihood. Then 
when these tw> traitors understood that they had driven 
all the lords of his blood from him, they were not pleased 
with that rule, but then they thought to have more, as 


246 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


ever it is an old saw, Give a churl rule, and thereby he 
will not be sufficed ; for whatsoever he be that is ruled by 
a villain born, and the lord of the soil to be a gentleman 
born, the same villain shall destroy all the gentlemen 
about him ; therefore all estates and lords beware whom 
ye take about you. And if ye be a knight of King Ar- 
thur’s court, remember this tale, for this is the end and 
conclusion. My lord and king rode unto the forest by the 
advice of these false traitors, and there he chased at the 
red deer, all armed of all pieces, full like a good knight ; 
and so for labor he waxed dry, and then he alighted and 
drank at a well. And when he was alighted, by the 
assent of these two false traitors, the one that hight 
Helius suddenly smote our king through the body with a 
spear, and so they left him there ; and when they were 
departed, then by fortune I came unto the well and found 
my lord and king wounded unto the death ; and when I 
heard his complaint, I let bring him to the water side, 
and in that same ship I put him alive. And when my 
lord King Hermance was in that vessel, he required me 
for the true faith that I owed unto him for to write a 
letter in this manner : — 


CHAPTER XLVII. 

fHE Copy op the Letter written for to revenge the King’s 
Death, and how Sir Palamides fought for to have the Battle. 

R ECOMMENDING unto King Arthur and unto all 
the knights errant, beseeching them all in so much 
as I, King Hermance, king of the Red City, thus am slain 
by felony and treason, through two knights of mine own, 


Of Sir Tristram . 


247 


and of mine own bringing up and of mine own making, 
that some worshipful knight will revenge my death, in so 
much as I have been ever to my power well willing unto 
King Arthur’s court ; and who that will adventure his life 
with these two traitors for my sake in one battle, I, King 
Hermance, king of the Red City, freely give all my lands 
and tenements that ever I possessed in all my life. This 
letter,” said Sir Ebel, “ I wrote by my lord’s command- 
ment, and then he received his Maker [took the Holy Com - 
munion\ And when he was dead, he commanded me, 
or ever he were cold, to put this letter fast in his hand ; 
and then he commanded me to put forth that same vessel 
down Humber, and I should give these mariners in com- 
mandment never to stint until that they came unto Lo- 
gris, \here all the noble knights shall assemble at this 
time, and there shall some good knight have pity on me 
to revenge my death, for there was never king nor lord 
falselier ne traitorlier slain than I am here to my death.’ ” 

Thus was the complaint of our king Hermance. 

“Now,” said Sir Ebel, “ye know all how our lord was 
betrayed, we require you for God’s sake have pity upon 
his death, and worshipfully revenge his death, and then 
may ye hold all these lands. For we all wit well that, and 
ye may slay these two traitors, the Red City and all those 
that be therein will take you for their lord.” 

“Truly,” said Sir Palamides, “it grieveth my heart for 
to hear you tell this doleful tale. And to say the truth, 
I saw the same letter that ye speak of ; and one cf the 
best knights on the earth read that letter to me, and by 
his commandment I came hither to revenge your king’s 
death ; and therefore have done, and let me wit where I 
shall find those traitors, for I shall never be at ease in my 
heart till that I be in hands with them.” 


248 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


“ Sir,” said Sir Ebel, “ then take your ship again, and 
that ship must bring you unto the Delectable Isle, fast by 
the Red City, and we in this castle shall pray for you and 
abide your again-coming ; for this same castle, and ye 
speed well, must needs be yours ; for our king Hermance 
let make this castle for the love of the two traitors, and 
so we kept it with strong hand, and therefore full sore are 
we threated.” 

“ Wot ye what ye shall do,” said Sir Palamides ; “what- 
soever come of me, look ye keep well this castle. For, 
and it misfortune me so to be slain in this quest, I am 
sure there will come one of the best knights of the world 
for to revenge my death, and that is Sir Tristram de 
Lyonesse, or else Sir Launcelot du Lake.” 

Then Sir Palamides departed from that castle. And as 
he came nigh unto the city, there came out of a ship a 
goodly knight all armed against him, with his shield upon 
his shoulder, and his hand upon his sword ; and anon as 
he came nigh Sir Palamides, he said, “ Sir knight, what 
seek ye here in this country ? leave this quest, for it is 
mine, and mine it was or it was yours, and therefore I will 
have it.” 

“ Sir knight,” said Sir Palamides, “ it may well be that 
this quest was yours or it was mine, but when the letter 
was taken out of the dead king’s hand, at that time by 
likelihood there was no knight had undertaken to re- 
venge the death of King Hermance ; and so at that time 
I promised to revenge his death, and so I shall, or else I 
am shamed.” 

“Ye say well,” said the knight, “but wit ye well then 
will I fight with you, and he that is the better knight of 
us both let him take the battle in hand.” 

“ I assent me,” said Sir Palamides. 


Of Sir Tristram. 


249 


And then they dressed^ their shields, and drew out their 
swords, and lashed together many a sad stroke, as men of 
might, and thus they fought more than an hour. And at 
the last Sir Palamides waxed big and better winded, so 
that then he smote that knight such a stroke that he 
made him to kneel upon both his knees. Then that 
knight spoke on high and said, “ Gentle knight, hold 
thy hand.” 

Sir Palamides was courteous and withdrew his hand. 

Then this knight said, “ Wit ye well, sir knight, that ye 
be better worthy to have this battle than I, and I require 
thee of thy knighthood to tell me thy name.” 

“Sir, my name is Sir Palamides, a knight of King 
Arthur’s court and of the Round Table, that hither am 
come to revenge the death of this dead king.” 


CHAPTER XLVIII. 

Of the Preparation of Sir Palamides and the Two Brethren that 

SHOULD FIGHT WITH HIM. 

A H, well be ye found,” said the knight unto Sir Pala- 
mides, “ for of all knights that be now living (except 
three) I had lievest have you. The first is Sir Launcelot 
du Lake, the second is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, and the 
third Sir Lamorak de Galis ; and I am brother unto King 
Hermance that is dead, and my name is Sir Hermind.” 

“ It is well said,” quoth Sir Palamides, “and ye shall see 
how I shall speed ; and if I be there slain, go ye unto my 
lord Sir Launcelot or unto my lord Sir Tristram, and pray 
them to revenge my death, for as for Sir Lamorak, him 
shall ye never see in this world.” 


250 


The Boy's King Arthur 


‘‘Alas,” said Sir Hermind, “how may that be?” 

“ He is slain,” said Sir Palamides, “ by Sir Gawaine and 
his brethren.” 

“Truly,” said Hermind, “there was not one for one 
that slew him.” 

‘.‘That is truth,” said Sir Palamides, “for they were 
four dangerous knights that slew him, as Sir Gawaine, Sir 
Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred ; but Sir Gareth, 
the fifth brother, was away, the best knight of them all.” 

And so Sir Palamides told Hermind all the manner, and 
how they slew Sir Lamorak all only by treason. So Sir 
Palamides took his ship, and arrived up at the Delectable 
Isle. And in the meanwhile Sir Hermind, that was the 
king’s brother, he arrived up at the Red City, and there 
he told them how there was come a knight of King Ar- 
thur’s to avenge King Hermance’s death ; and his name 
is Sir Palamides the good knight. Then all the city made 
great joy. For mickle had they heard of Sir Palamides, 
and of his noble prowess. So let they ordain a messenger 
and sent unto the two brethren, and bade them to make 
them ready, for there was a knight come that would fight 
with them both. So the messenger went unto them 
where they were at a castle there beside. And there he 
told them how there was a knight come of King Arthur’s 
court to fight with them both at once. 

“He is welcome,” said they. “But tell us, we pray 
you, if it be Sir Launcelot, or any of his blood.” 

“ He is none of that blood,” said the messenger. 

“Then we care the less,” said the two brethren, “for 
with none of the blood of Sir Launcelot we keep not to 
have to do withal.” 

‘•Wit ye well,” said the messenger, “that his name is 
Sir Palamides, the which is not yet christened, a noble 
knight.” 


Of Sir Tristram. 


251 


“ Well,” said they, “and if he be now unchristened, he 
shall never be christened.” 

So they appointed for to be at the city within two days. 
And when Sir Palamides was come unto the city, they 
made passing great joy of him. And when they beheld 
him, [they] saw that he was well made, cleanly and bigly, 
and unmaimed of his limbs, and neither too young nor too 
old, and so all the people praised him ; and though he 
was not christened, yet he believed in the best manner, 
and was faithful and true of his promise, and also well 
conditioned ; and because he made his avow never to take 
full Christendom unto the time that he had done seven 
battles within the lists. 

So within the third day there came to this city these 
two brethren, the one hight Sir Helius, and that other 
hight Sir Helake, the which were men of great prowess, 
howbeit they were false and full of treason, and but poor 
inen born, yet were they noble knights of their hands. 

And with them they brought forty knights, to the in- 
tent they should be big enough for the Red City. Thus 
came the two brethren with great bobance \boasting] and 
pride, for they had put the Red City in fear and damage. 
Then they were brought into the lists ; and Sir Palamides 
came into the place, and thus he said, “ Be ye the two 
brethren, Sir Helius and Sir Helake, that slew your king 
and lord Sir Hermance by felony and treason, for whom I 
am come hither for to revenge his death ? ” 

“Wit thou well,” said Sir Helius and Sir Helake, “that 
we are the same knights that slew King Hermance. 
And wit thou well, Sir Palamides, Saracen, that we shall 
handle thee so or thou depart that thou shalt wish that 
thou werest christened.” 

“ It may well be,” said Sir Palamides, “ for yet I would 


252 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


not die or I were christened, and yet so am I not afeared 
of you both, but I trust to God that I shall die a better 
Christian man than any of you both ; and doubt ye not,” 
said Sir Palamides, “ either ye or I shall be left dead in 
this place.” 


CHAPTER XLIX. 

Of the Battle between Sir Palamides and the Two Brethren, 

AND HOW THE TWO BRETHREN WERE SLAIN. 

T HEN they departed, and the two brethren came 
against Sir Palamides, and he against them, as fast 
as their horses might run. And by fortune Sir Palamides 
smote Helake through his shield, and through the breast 
more than a fathom. All this while Sir Helius held up 
his spear, and for pride and presumption he would not 
smite Sir Palamides with his spear. But when he saw 
his brother lie on the earth, and saw he might not help 
himself, then he said unto Sir Palamides, “ Help thyself : ” 
and therewith he came hurtling unto Sir Palamides with 
his spear, and smote him quite from his saddle. Then 
Sir Helius rode over Sir Palamides twice or thrice. And 
therewith Sir Palamides was ashamed, and gat the horse 
of Sir Helius by the bridle, and therewithal the horse 
areared, and Sir Palamides helped after, and so they fell 
both to the earth, but anon Sir Helius started up lightly, 
and there he smote Sir Palamides a mighty stroke upon 
the helm, so that he kneeled upon his own knee. Then 
they lashed together many sad strokes, and traced and 
traversed, now backward, now sideling, hurtling together 
like two boars, and that same time they fell both grovel- 
ling to the earth. Thus they fought still without any 


Of Sir Tristram. 


253 


reposing two hours, and never breathed, and then Sir 
Palamides waxed faint and weary, and Sir Helius waxed 
passing strong, and doubled his strokes, and drove Sir 
Palamides overthwart and endlong all the field, that they 
of the city, when they saw Sir Palamides in this case, 
they wept and cried, and made a sorrowful dole ; and that 
other party made great joy. “ Alas,” said the men of tne 
city, “ that this noble knight should thus be slain for our 
king’s sake ! ” 

And as they were thus weeping and crying [for] Sir 
Palamides that had endured well an hundred strokes, that 
it was wonder that he stood upon his feet, at the last 
Sir Palamides beheld as well as he might the common 
people how they wept for him. And then he said unto 
himself, “Ah, fie for shame, Sir Palamides, wherefore 
hangest thou thy head so low ? ” And therewith he bare 
up his shield, and looked Sir Helius in the visage, and 
smote him a great stroke upon the helm, and after that 
•another, and another. And then he smote Sir Helius 
with such a might, that he fell upon the ground grovel- 
ling ; and then he started lightly to him, and rashed off 
his helm from his head, and there he smote him such a 
buffet that he departed his head from the body. And 
then were the people of the city the joyfullest people 
that might be. So they brought him unto his lodging 
with great solemnity, and there all the people became his 
men ; and then Sir Palamides prayed them all for to take 
heed unto the lordship of King Hermance. “ For, fair 
sirs, wit ye well, I may not at this time abide with you, 
for I must in all the haste be with my lord King Arthur 
at the Castle of Lonazep, which I have promised.” 

So then were the people full heavy of his departing ; 
for all that city proffered Sir Palamides the third part of 


254 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


their goods so that he would abide with them ; but in no 
wise at that time he would abide ; and so Sir Palamides 
departed. And then he came unto the castle whereas 
Sir Ebel was lieutenant ; and when they that were in the 
castle knew how Sir Palamides had sped, there was a joy- 
ful meyny [ household ]. And Sir Palamides departed, 
and came to the Castle of Lonazep. And when he wist 
that Sir Tristram was not there, he took his way unto 
Humber, and came unto Joyous Gard, whereas Sir Tris- 
tram was and la Belle Isolde. So it had been com- 
manded that what knight errant came within the Joyous 
Gard, as in the town, that they should warn Sir Tristram. 
So there came a man of the town, and told Sir Tristram 
how there was a knight in the town, a passing goodly 
man. 

“ What manner of man is he?” said Sir Tristram, “and 
what sign beareth he ? ” 

So the man told Sir Tristram all the tokens of him. 

“That is Palamides,” said Dinadan. 

“It may well be,” said Sir Tristram: “go ye to him,” 
said Sir Tristram unto Dinadan. 

So Dinadan went unto Sir Palamides, and there either 
made of other great joy, and so they lay together that 
night, and on the morn early came Sir Tristram and Sir 
Gareth, and took them in their beds, and so they arose 
and brake their fast. 


Of Sir Tristram . 


255 


CHAPTER L. 


How Sir Tristram and Sir Launcelot, with Sir Palamides, cami 
to Joyous Gard, and of Sir Palamides, and of Sir Tristram. 



ND so, having done many great deeds of arms, 


after many days it happened that Sir Tristram rode 
forth for to rescue Sir Palamides, but Sir Launcelot, in 
disguise, had already rescued him or [before] that Sir 
Tristram could come. And then Sir Tristram and Sir 
Palamides went with the unknown knight to his castle, 
which was Sir Launcelot’s castle of Joyous Gard.] 

And when they were come within Joyous Gard, they 
alighted, and their horses were led into a stable, and then 
they unarmed them. And when Sir Launcelot had put 
off his helm, Sir Tristram and Sir Palamides knew him. 
Then Sir Tristram took Sir Launcelot in his arms ; and 
Sir Palamides kneeled down upon his knees and thanked 
Sir Launcelot. When Sir Launcelot saw Sir Palamides 
kneel, he lightly took him up, and said, — 

“ Wit thou well, Sir Palamides, I and any knight in this 
land of worship ought of very right succor and rescue so 
noble a knight as ye are proved and renowned throughout 
all this realm, endlong and overthwart.” 

Then Sir Launcelot within three or four days departed ; 
and with him rode Sir Ector de Maris ; and Dinadan and 
Sir Palamides were there left with Sir Tristram a two 
months and more. But ever Sir Palamides faded and 
mourned, that all men had marvel wherefore he faded so 
away. So upon a day, in the dawning Sir Palamides went 
into the forest by himself alone, and there he found a 
well. And therewithal he laid him down by the well. 


256 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


And then he began to make a rhyme of la Belle Isolde 
and him. And in the meanwhile Sir Tristram was that 
same day ridden into the forest to chase the hart of greese 
[the fat hart\. And so as Sir Tristram rode into that 
forest up and down, he heard one sing marvellously loud ; 
and that was Sir Palamides, that lay by the well. And 
then Sir Tristram rode softly thither, for he deemed there 
was some knight errant that was at the well. 

And when Sir Tristram came nigh him, he descended 
down from his horse, and tied his horse fast to a tree, 
and then he came near him on foot. And anon he was 
ware where lay Sir Palamides by the well. And ever the 
complaints were of that noble queen la Belle Isolde, the 
which was marvellously and wonderfully well made and 
full dolefully and piteously. And all the whole song the 
noble knight Sir Tristram heard from the beginning to 
the ending, the which grieved and troubled him sore. 
But then at last, when Sir Tristram had heard all Sir 
Palamides’ complaints, he was wroth out of measure, 
and thought for to slay him there as he lay. Then Sir 
Tristram remembered himself that Sir Palamides was un- 
armed, and of the noble name that Sir Palamides had, 
and the noble name that himself had, and then he made a 
restraint of his anger, and so he went unto Sir Palamides 
a soft pace, and said, — 

“Sir Palamides, I have heard your complaint, and of 
thy treason that thou hast owed me so long. And wit 
thou well therefore thou shalt die. And if it were not 
for shame of knighthood thou shouldest not escape my 
hands, for now I know well thou hast awaited me with 
treason. Tell me,” said Sir Tristram, “how thou wilt 
acquit thee.” 

“ Sir,” said Palamides, “ thus I will acquit me : as for 


Of Sir Tristram . 


257 


Queen la Belle Isolde, ye shall wit well that I love her 
above all other ladies of the world ; and well I wot it 
shall befall me as for her love as befell to the noble 
knight Sir Kehidius, that died for the love of la Belle 
Isolde ; and now, Sir Tristram, I will that ye wit that I 
have loved la Belle Isolde many a day, and she hath been 
the causer of my worship. And else I had been the most 
simplest knight in the world. For by her, and because of 
her, I have won the worship that I have : for when I re- 
membered me of la Belle Isolde, I won the worship 
wheresoever I came, for the most part ; and yet had I 
never reward nor bounty of her the days of my life, and 
yet have I been her knight guerdonless ; and therefore, 
Sir Tristram, as for any death I dread not, for I had as 
lief die as to live. And if I were armed as thou art, I 
should lightly do battle with thee.” 

“ Well have ye uttered your treason,” said Sir Tristram. 

“ I have done to you no treason,” said Sir Palamides, 
“for love is free for all men, and though I have loved 
your lady she is my lady as well as yours ; and yet shall I 
love her to the uttermost days of my life as well as ye.” 


CHAPTER LI. 

HOW THERE WAS A DAY SET BETWEEN SlR TRISTRAM AND SlR PALA* 
MIDES FOR TO FIGHT, AND HOW SlR TRISTRAM WAS HURT. 

T HEN,” said Sir Tristram, “I will fight with you unto 
the uttermost.” 

“I grant,” said Sir Palamides, “for in a better quarrel 
keep I never to fight, for and I die of your hands, of a 
better knight’s hands may I not be slain. And sit hen 


258 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


[since] I understand that I shall never rejoice the queeit 
la Belle Isolde, I have as good a will to die as to live.” 

“Then set ye a day of battle,” said Sir Tristram. 

“This day fifteen days,” said Sir Palamides, “will I meet 
with you hereby in the meadow under Joyous Gard.” 

“Fie for shame!” said Sir Tristram, “will ye set so 
long a day ? let us fight to-morrow.” 

“Not so,” said Sir Palamides, “for I am feeble and lean, 
and have been long sick for the love of la Belle Isolde, 
and therefore I will rest me till that I have my strength 
again.” 

So then Sir Tristram and Sir Palamides promised faith- 
fully to meet at the well as that day fifteen days. 

Right so departed Sir Tristram and Sir Palamides ; and 
so Sir Palamides took his horse and his harness, and rode 
unto King Arthur’s court, and there Sir Palamides gat 
him four knights and three sergeants of arms ; and so he 
returned again toward Joyous Gard. And in the mean- 
while Sir Tristram chased and hunted at all manner of 
venery [game ] ; and about a three days afore that the 
battle should be, as Sir Tristram chased an hart, there 
was an archer shot at the hart, and by misfortune he 
smote Sir Tristram in the thickest of the thigh and 
wounded him right sore, and the arrow slew Sir Tris- 
tram’s horse ; and when Sir Tristram was so sore hurt, 
he was passing heavy, and wit ye well he bled sore. 
And then he took another horse, and rode unto Joyoui 
Gard with full great heaviness. 


Of Sir Tristram . 


259 


CHAPTER LI I. 

How that Sir Palamides kept his Day for to have foughtbn, but 
Sir Tristram might not come. 



k HEN when the fifteenth day was come, Sir Pala* 


-i- mides came to the well with four knights with him 
of King Arthur’s court, and three sergeants of arms. 
And the one sergeant brought his helm, the other his 
spear and the third his sword. So Sir Palamides came 
into the field, and there he abode nigh two hours, and 
then he sent a squire unto Sir Tristram, and desired him 
to come into the field for to hold his promise. When the 
squire was come to Joyous Gard, and that Sir Tristram 
heard of his coming, he commanded that the squire should 
come to his presence there as he lay in his bed. 

“ My lord Sir Tristram,” said Palamides’ squire, “wit 
you well, my lord Palamides abideth you in the field, and 
he would wit whether ye would do battle or not.” 

“Ah, my fair brother,” said Sir Tristram, “wit thou 
well that I am right heavy for these tidings, therefore 
tell Sir Palamides and I were well at ease I would not lie 
here, nor he should have no need to send for me, and I 
might either ride or go : and for thou shalt say that I am 
no liar,” Sir Tristram showed him his thigh, that the 
wound was six inches deep : — “ and now thou hast seen 
my hurt, tell thy lord that this is no feigned matter ; and 
tell him that I had liever than all the gold of King Arthur 
that I were whole ; and tell Sir Palamides, as soon as I 
am whole I shall seek him endlong and overthwart, and 
that I promise you as I am true knight ; and if ever I may 
meet with him he shall have tattle of me his fill.” 


26 o 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


And with this the squire departed. And then departed 
Sir Palamides where as fortune led him. And within a 
i*ionth Sir Tristram was whole of his hurt. And then he 
took his horse, and rode from country to country, and all 
strange adventures he achieved wheresoever he rode, and 
always he inquired for Sir Palamides. 


CHAPTER LIII. 


How Sir Tristram departed unarmed, and met with Sir Pala- 


mides, and how Sir Palamides forbore him. 



HEN Sir Tristram was returned, he heard how 


L V V there should be a great feast at King Arthur’s 
court on the Pentecost next following. And so when that 
day was nigh Sir Tristram set forth unarmed towards 
Camelot.] 

And within a mile after, Sir Tristram saw before him 
where Sir Palamides had stricken down a knight, and had 
almost wounded him to death. Then Sir Tristram re- 
pented him that he was not armed, and then he hoved 
still. With that Sir Palamides knew Sir Tristram, and 
cried on high : “ Sir Tristram, now be we met, for or we 
depart we will redress our old sores.” 

“ As for that,” said Sir Tristram, “ there was never yet 
Christian man that might make his boast that ever I fled 
from him, and wit thou well, Sir Palamides, thou that art 
a Saracen shall never make thy boast that Sir Tristram de 
Lyonesse shall flee from thee.’ 

And therewithal Sir Tristram made his horse to run 
with all his might, came he straight upon Sir Palamides, 
and brake his spear upon him in an hundred pieces, and 


Of Sir Tristram . 


261 


forthwith Sir Tristram drew his sword, and then he turned 
his horse and struck at Sir Palamides six great strokes 
upon his helm. And then Sir Palamides stood still, and 
beheld Sir Tristram, and marvelled of his woodness and 
of his great folly ; and then Sir Palamides said to himself, 
“And Sir Tristram were armed it were hard to cease 
him of this battle, and if I turn again and slay him I am 
shamed wheresoever that I go.” 

Then Sir Tristram spake and said, “Thou coward 
knight, what castest thou to do ? why wilt thou not do 
battle with me, for have thou no doubt I shall endure 
all thy malice.” 

“Ah, Sir Tristram,” said Sir Palamides, “full well thou 
wottest I may not fight with thee for shame, for thou art 
here naked, and I am armed, and if I slay thee dishonoi 
shall be mine. And well thou wottest I know thy strength 
and thy hardiness to endure against a good knight.” 

“That is truth,” said Sir Tristram, “ I understand thy 
valiantness well.” 

“Ye say well,” said Sir Palamides, “now I require you 
tell me a question that I shall say to you.” 

“Tell me what it is,” said Sir Tristram, “and I shall 
answer you the truth.” 

“I put the case,” said Sir Palamides, “that ye were 
armed at all rights as well as I am, and I naked as ye 
be, what would ye do to me now by your true knight 
hood ? ” 

“Ah,” said Sir Tristram, “now I understand thee well, 
Sir Palamides, for now must I say my own judgment, and, 
as God me bless, that I shall say shall not be said for no 
fear that I have of thee. But this is all ; wit, Sir Pala- 
mides, as at this time thou shouldest depart from me, for 
I would not have ado with thee.” 


262 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


“No more will I,” said Sir Palamides, “and therefore 
ride forth on thy way.” 

“As for that I may choose,” said Sir Tristram, “either 
to ride or to abide. But Sir Palamides,” said Sir Tristram, 
“I marvel of one thing, that thou that art so good a 
knight, that thou will not be christened, and thy brother 
Sir Safere hath been christened many a day.” 


CHAPTER LIV. 

How that Sir Tristram gat him Harness of a Knight which was 

HURT, AND HOW HE OVERTHREW SlR PALAMIDES. 

A S for that,” said Sir Palamides, “ I may not yet be 
christened for one avow that I have made many 
years agone; howbeit in my heart I believe in Jesus 
Christ and his mild mother Mary ; but I have but one 
battle to do, and when that is done I will be baptized 
with a good will.” 

“By my he&d,” said Sir Tristram, “as for one battle 
thou shalt not seek it no longer. For God defend,” said 
Sir Tristram, “that through my default thou shouldest 
longer live thus a Saracen. For yonder is a knight that 
ye, Sir Palamides, have hurt and smitten down ; now help 
me that I were armed in his armor, and I shall soon fulfil 
thine avows.” 

“As ye will,” said Sir Palamides, “so it shall be.” 

So they rode unto that knight that sat upon a bank, 
and then Sir Tristram saluted him, and he weakly saluted 
him again. 

“ Sir knight,” said Sii Tristram, “ I require you tell me 
your right name.” 


Of Sir Tristram. 263 

“ Sir,” he said, “ my name is Sir Galleron of Galway, 
and knight of the Table Round.” 

“ Truly,” said Sir Tristram, “I am right heavy of your 
hurts : but this is all, I must pray you to lend me all your 
whole armor, for ye see I am unarmed, and I must do 
battle with this knight.” 

“ Sir,” said the hurt knight, “ye shall have it with a 
good will ; but ye must beware, for I warn you that knight 
is wight [strong]. Sir,” said Galleron, “ I pray you tell 
me your name, and what is that knight’s name that hath 
beaten me.” 

“ Sir, as for my name, it is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, 
and as for the knight’s name that hath hurt you, it is Sir 
Palamides, brother unto the good knight Sir Safere, and 
yet is Sir Palamides unchristened.” 

“Alas,” said Sir Galleron, “that is pity that so good 
a knight and so noble a man of arms should be un- 
christened.” 

“Truly,” said Sir Tristram, “either he shall slay me, or 
I him, but that he shall be christened or ever we depart in 
sunder.” 

“My lord Sir Tristram,” said Sir Galleron, “your 
renown and worship is well known through many realms, 
and God save you this day from shame.” 

Then Sir Tristram unarmed Galleron, the which was a 
noble knight and had done many deeds of arms, and he 
was a large knight of flesh and bone. And when he was 
unarmed he stood upon his feet, for he was bruised in the 
back with a spear ; yet, so as Sir Galleron might, he armed 
Sir Tristram. And then Sir Tristram mounted upon his 
own horse, and in his hand he gat Sir Galleron’s spear. 
And therewithal Sir Palamides was ready, and so they 
came hurtling together, and either smote other in the 


264 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


midst of their shields, and therewithal Sir Palamides' 
spear brake, and Sir Tristram smote down the horse; 
and then Sir Palamides, as soon as he might, avoided his 
horse, and dressed his shield, and pulled out his sword. 
That saw Sir Tristram, and therewith he alighted, and 
tied his horse to a tree. 


CHAPTER LV. 

How Sir Tristram and Sir Palamides fought long together, 

AND AFTER ACCORDED; AND HOW SlR TRISTRAM MADE HIM TO BE 
CHRISTENED. 

A ND then they came together as two wild boars, lash- 
ing together, tracing and traversing as noble men 
that oft had been well proved in battle ; but ever Sir Pala- 
mides dreaded the might of Sir Tristram, and therefore 
he suffered him to breathe him. Thus they fought more 
than two hours ; and often Sir Tristram smote such 

>1 

strokes at Sir Palamides that he made him to kneel ; and 
Sir Palamides brake and cut away many pieces of Sir 
Tristram’s shield, and then Sir Palamides wounded Sir 
Tristram, for he was a well fighting man. Then Sir Tris- 
tram was wood wrath out of measure, and rashed upon 
Sir Palamides with such a might that Sir Palamides fell 
grovelling to the earth, and therewithal he leapt up lightly 
upon his feet, and then Sir Tristram wounded Sir Pala 
mides sore through the shoulder. And ever Sir Tristram 
fought still in like hard, and Sir Palamides failed not, but 
gave him many sad strokes. And at the last Sir Tristram 
doubled his strokes, and by fortune Sir Tristram smote 
Sir Palamides’ sword out of his hand, and if Sir Palamidss 


Of Sir Tristram . 


265 


had stooped for his sword, he had been slain. Then Sir 
Palamides stood still and beheld his sword with a sorrow- 
ful heart. 

“How now said Sir Tristram unto Sir Palamides, 
“now have I thee at advantage as thou hadst me this 
day, but it shall never be said in no court, nor among 
good knights, that Sir Tristram shall slay any knight that 
is weaponless, and therefore take thou thy sword, and let 
us make an end of this battle.” 

“ As for to do this battle,” said Sir Palamides, “ I dare 
right well end it ; but I have no great lust to fight nc 
more, and for this cause, mine offence to you is not so 
great but that we may be friends. All that I have 
offended is and was for the love of la Belle Isolde. And 
as for her, I dare say she is peerless above all other ladies, 
and also I proffered her never no dishonor ; and by her 
I have gotten the most part of my worship, and sithen I 
offended never as to her own person. And as for the 
offence that I have done, it was against your own person, 
and for that offence ye have given me this day many sad 
strokes, and some I have given you again ; and now I dare 
say I felt never man of your might, nor so well breathed, 
but if it were Sir Launcelot du Lake. Wherefore I re- 
quire you, my lord, forgive me all that I have offended 
unto you. And this same day have me to the next 
church, and first let me be clean confessed, and after see 
you now that I be truly baptized. And then will we all 
ride together unto the court of Arthur, that we be there 
at the high feast.” 

“Now take your horse,” said Sir Tristram, “and as ye 
say, so it shall be ; and all your evil will God forgive it 
you, and I do. And here, within this mile, is the suffra- 
gan of Carlisle, that shall give you the sacrament of bap 
tism.” 


266 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


Then they took their horses, and Sir Galleron rode with 
them. And when they came to the suffragan Sir Tris- 
tram told him their desire. Then the suffragan let fill a 
great vessel with water. And when he had hallowed it, 
he then confessed clean Sir Palamides, and Sir Tristram 
and Sir Galleron were his god-fathers. And then soon 
after they departed, riding towards Camelot, where King 
Arthur and Queen Guenever was, and for the most part 
all the knights of the Round Table. And so the king 
and all the court were glad that Sir Palamides was 
christened. And Sir Tristram returned again towards 
Joyous Gard. 


CHAPTER LVI. 


How King Mark slew Sir Tristram by Treachery, and la Belle 
Isolde died of Grief. 

r A ND so, after years, and many mighty deeds of arms, 
L A the] traitor King Mark slew the noble knight Sir 
Tristram as he isat harping before his lady la Belle Isolde, 
with a trenchant glaive ; for whose death was much be- 
wailing of every knight in Arthur’s days. And la Belle 
Isolde died swooning upon the corpse of Sir Tristram, 
whereof was great pity. And all that were with King 
Mark consenting to the death of Sir Tristram were slain. 


BOOK v. 


OF SIR GALAHAD AND SIR PERCIVAL, 

AND THE QUEST OF THE HOLY GRAIL. 


CHAPTER I. 

How the Letters were found written in the Siege Perilous, 

AND OF THE MARVELLOUS ADVENTURE OF THE SWORD IN A STONE. 

A T the vigil of Pentecost, when all the fellowship of 
the Round Table were come unto Camelot, and there 
they all heard their service, and all the tables were covered, 
ready to set thereon the meat, right so entered into the 
hall a full fair gentlewoman on horseback, that had ridden 
full fast, for her horse was all to-besweat ; [and she be- 
sought Sir Launcelot that he would come forth with her 
into the forest for to dub a knight.] Right so departed 
Sir Launcelot with the gentlewoman, and rode till they 
came into a forest, and into a great valley, where he saw 
an abbey of nuns ; and there was a squire ready to open 
the gates. And so there came in twelve nuns, which 
brought with them Galahad, the which was passing fair 
and well made, that unneth [hardly] men in the world 
might not find his match ; and all those ladies wept. 

“ Sir,” said the ladies, “ we bring here this child, the 

267 


268 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


which we have nourished, and we pray you for to make 
him a knight ; for of a more worthier man’s hand may 
he not receive the order of knighthood.” 

Sir Launcelot beheld that young squire, and saw he was 
seemly and demure as a dove, with all manner of good 
features, that he wend of his age never to have seen so 
fair a man of form. 

Then said Sir Launcelot, “ Cometh this desire of him- 
self?” 

He and all they said, “Yea.” 

“ Then shall he,” said Sir Launcelot, “ receive the high 
order of knighthood as to-morrow at the reverence of the 
high feast.” 

That night Sir Launcelot had passing good cheer, and 
on the morrow at the hour of prime, at Galahad’s desire, 
he made him knight ; and said, “ God make him a good 
man, for beauty faileth him not as any that liveth.” 

So when the king and all the knights were come from 
service, the barons espied in the sieges of the Found 
Table, all about written with gold letters : “ Here ought 
to sit” he, and "he “ ought to sit here.” And thus they 
went so long until that they came to the Siege Perilous, 
where they found letters newly written of gold, that said : 
“ Four hundred winters and fifty-four accomplished after 
the passion of our Lord Jesu Christ ought this siege to be 
fulfilled.” 

Then all they said, “This is a marvellous thing, and an 
adventurous.” 

“ In the name of God,” said Sir Launcelot ; and then 
he accounted the term of the writing, from the birth of 
our Lord unto that day. 

“ It seemeth me,” said Sir Launcelot, “ this siege ought 
to be fulfilled this same day, for this is the feast of Pente- 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Per rival. 269 

cost after the four hundred and four and fifty year ; and if 
it would please all parties, I would none of these letters 
were seen this day, till he be come that ought to achieve 
this adventure.” 

Then made they to ordain a cloth of silk for to cover 
these letters in the Siege Perilous. Then the king bade 
haste unto dinner. 

“ Sir,” said Sir Kay the steward, “ if ye go now unto 
your meat, ye shall break your old custom of your court. 
For ye have not used on this day to sit at your meat or 
that ye have seen some adventure.” 

“ Ye say sooth,” said the king, “but I had so great joy 
of Sir Launcelot and of his cousins, which be come to the 
court whole and sound, that I bethought me not of my 
old custom.” 

So as they stood speaking, in came a squire, and said 
unto the king, “ Sir, I bring unto you marvellous tidings.” 

“ What be they ? ” said the king. 

“ Sir, there is here beneath at the river a great stone, 
which I saw fleet \float\ above the water, and therein saw 
I sticking a sword.” 

The king said, “I will see that marvel.” 

So all the knights went with him, and when they came 
unto the river, they found there a stone fleeting, as it were 
of red marble, and therein stuck a fair and a rich sword, 
and in the pommel thereof were precious stones, wrought 
with subtle letters of gold. Then the barons read the 
letters, which said in this wise : “ Never shall man take me 
hence, but only he by whom I ought to hang, and he shall 
be the best knight of the world.” 

When the king had seen these letters, he said unto Sir 
Launcelot, “ Fair sir, this sword ought to be yours, for I 
am sure that ye be the best knight of the world.” 


270 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


Then Sir Launcelot answered soberly, “ Certainly, sir, 
it is not my sword. Also, sir, wit ye well I have no hardi- 
ness to set my hand to it, for it belongeth not to hang by 
my side. Also, wbo assayeth for to take that sword, and 
faileth of it, he shall receive a wound by that sword that 
he shall not be whole long after. And I will that ye wit 
that this same day will the adventures of the Sancgreai 
(that is called the holy vessel) begin.” 


CHAPTER II. 

[How an Old Man] brought Sir Galahad unto the Siege Perilous, 

AND SET HIM THEREIN ; AND HOW KING ARTHUR SHOWED THE STONE, 
HOVING ON THE WATER, TO GALAHAD, AND HOW HE DREW OUT THE 

Sword. 

S O when they were served, and all the sieges fulfilled 
save only the Siege Perilous, anon there befell a mar- 
vellous adventure, that all the doors and the windows of 
the palace shut by themselves, but for all that the hall was 
not greatly darked, and therewith they were all abashed 
both one and other. Then King Arthur spake first, and 
said, “ Fair fellows and lords, we have seen this day mar- 
vels, but or night I suppose we shall see greater marvels.” 

In the meanwhile came in a good old man and an 
ancient, clothed all in white ; and there was no knight 
that knew from whence he came. And with him he 
brought a young knight, both on foot, in red arms, with- 
out sword or shield, save a scabbard hanging by his side ; 
and these words he said, “ Peace be with you, fair lords.” 
Then the old man said unto King Arthur, “ Sir, I bring 
you here a young knight that is of king’s lineage, and of 



Sir Galahad brought to the Siege Perilous 





’ I 











































* 









































t 





Of Sir Galahad and Sir Per civ al. 


271 


the kindred of Joseph of Arimathea, whereby the marvels 
of this court and of strange realms shall be fully accom- 
plished.” 

The king was right glad of his words, and said unto the 
good man, “Sir, ye be right heartily welcome, and the 
young knight with you.” 

Then the old man made the young knight to unarm 
him ; and he was in a coat of red sendall, and bare a 
mantle upon his shoulder that was furred with fine er- 
mines, and put that upon him. And the old man said 
unto the young knight, “ Sir, follow after.” 

And anon he led him unto the Siege Perilous, where 
beside sat Sir Launcelot ; and the good man lifted up the 
cloth, and found there letters that said thus : “ This is the 
siege of Galahad the haut \high\ prince.” 

Then all the knights of the Table Round marvelled 
them greatly of Sir Galahad, that he durst sit there in 
that Siege Perilous, and was so tender of age, and wist 
not from whence he came, but all only by God, and said, 
This is he by whom the Sancgreal shall be achieved, for 
there sat never none but he, but he were mischieved. 
Then Sir Launcelot beheld his son, and had great joy of 
him. 

Then came King Arthur unto Sir Galahad, and said, 
“ Sir, ye be welcome, for ye shall move many good knights 
unto the quest of the Sancgreal, and ye shall achieve that 
never knight might bring to an end.” 

Then the king took him by the hand, and went down 
from the palace to show Sir Galahad the adventure of the 
stone. 

The queen heard thereof, and came after with many 
ladies, and showed them the stone where it hoved on the 
water. “ Sir,” said the king unto Sir Galahad, “ here is a 


272 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


great marvel as ever I saw, and right good knights have 
assayed and failed.” 

“ Sir,” said Galahad, “ that is no marvel, for this adven- 
ture is not theirs, but mine, and for the surety of this 
sword I brought none with me ; for here by my side 
hangeth the scabbard.” 

And anon he laid his hand on the sword, and lightly 
drew it out of the stone, and put it in the sheath, and said 
unto the king, “Now it goeth better than it did afore- 
hand.” 

“ Sir,” said the king, “a shield God shall send you.” 

“Now have I,” said Sir Galahad, “that sword that 
sometime was the good knight’s Balin le Savage, and he 
was a passing good man of his hands. And with this 
sword he slew his brother Balan, and that was great pity, 
for he was a good knight, and either slew other through a 
dolorous stroke that Balan gave unto my grandfather 
King Pelles, the which is not yet whole, nor not shall be 
till I heal him.” 

Therewith the king and all espied where came riding 
down the rivd'r a lady on a white palfrey toward them. 
Then she saluted the king and the queen, and asked if 
that Sir Launcelot was there? And then he answered 
himself, “lam here, fair lady.” 

Then she said, all with weeping, “ How your great doing 
is changed sith this day in the morn.” 

“ Damsel, why say ye so ? ” said Launcelot. 

“ I say you sooth,” said the damsel, “ for ye were this 
day the best knight of the world, but who should say so 
now should be a liar, for there is now one better than ye. 
And well it is proved by the adventures of the sword 
whereto ye durst not set your hand, and that is in remem- 
brance, that ye shall not ween from henceforth that ye be 
the best knight of the world.” 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir PercivaL 273 

“ As touching that,” said Sir Launcelot, “ I know well 
I was never the best.” 

“Yes,” said the damsel, “that were ye, and yet are of 
any sinful man of the world; and, sir king, Nacien the 
hermit sendeth thee word that to thee shall befall the 
greatest worship that ever befell king in Britain, and I 
shall tell you wherefore, for this day the Sancgreal ap- 
peared in this thy house, and fed thee and all thy fellow- 
ship of the Round Table.” 

And so the damsel took her leave, and departed the 
same way that she came. 


CHAPTER III. 

How the Queen desired to see Sir Galahad, and how, after, all 
the Knights were replenished with the Holy Grail, and how 

THEY AVOWED THE INQUEST OF THE SAME. 

T HEN the king [caused that Queen Guenever should 
see Sir Galahad] in the visage ; and when she beheld 
him she said, “ Soothly I dare well say that he is Sir 
Launcelot’s son, for never two men resembled more in 
likeness, therefore it is no marvel though he be of great 
prowess.” 

So a lady that stood by the queen said : “ Madam, for 
God’s sake, ought he of right to be so good a knight ? ” 
“Yea, forsooth,” said the queen, “for he is of all parties 
come of the best knights of the world, and of the highest 
lineage, for Sir Launcelot is come but of the eighth de- 
gree from our Lord Jesu Christ, and Sir Galahad is of the 
ninth degree from our Lord Jesu Christ, therefore I dare 
well say that they be the greatest gentlemen of all the 
world.” 


274 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


And then the king and all the estates went home unto 
Camelot, and so went to even-song to the great minster ; 
and so after that they went to supper, and every knight 
sat hi their place as they were beforehand. Then anon 
they heard cracking and crying of thunder, that them 
thought the place should all to-rive \burst ] ; in the midst 
of the blast entered a sunbeam more clear by seven times 
than ever they saw day, and all they were alighted of the 
grace of the Holy Ghost. Then began every knight to 
behold other, and either saw other by their seeming fairer 
than ever they saw afore, [and] there was no knight that 
might speak one word a great while, and so they looked 
every man on other, as they had been dumb. Then there 
entered into the hall the Holy Grail covered with white 
samite, but there was none might see it, nor who bare it. 
And there was all the hall full filled with good odors, and 
every knight had such meats and drinks as he best loved 
in this world ; and when the Holy Grail had been borne 
through the hall, then the holy vessel departed suddenly, 
that they wist not where it became. Then had they all 
breath to speak. And then the king yielded thankings 
unto God of His good grace that He had sent them. 

“ Now,” said Sir Gawaine, “ we have been served this 
day of what meats and drinks we thought on, but one 
thing beguiled us, we might not see the Holy Grail, it was 
so preciously covered : wherefore I will make here avow, 
that to-morn, without longer abiding, I shall labor in the 
quest of the Sancgreal, that I shall hold me out a twelve- 
month and a day, or more if need be, and never shall I 
return again unto the court till I have seen it more openly 
than it hath been seen here : and if I may not speed, I 
shall return again as he that may not be against the will 
of our Lord Jesu Christ.” 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Per rival. 275 


When they of the Table Round heard Sir Gawaine say 
so, they arose up the most part, and made such avows as 
Sir Gawaine had made. 

Anon as King Arthur heard this he was greatly dis- 
pleased, for he wist well that they might not gainsay theii 
avows. 

“ Alas ! ” said King Arthur unto Sir Gawaine, “ye have 
nigh slain me with the avow and promise that ye have 
made. For through you ye have bereft me of the fairest 
fellowship and the truest of knighthood that ever were 
seen together in any realm of the world. For when they 
depart from hence, I am sure they all shall never meet 
more in this world, for they shall die many in the quest. 
And so it forethinketh \repenteth\ me a little, for I have 
loved them as well as my life, wherefore it shall grieve me 
right sore the departing of this fellowship. For I have 
had an old custom to have them in my fellowship.” 


CHAPTER IV. 

How Great Sorrow was made of the King and the Queen and 
Ladies for the Departing of the Knights, and how they 
departed. 

A ND therewith the tears fell into his eyes, and he 
said : “ Sir Gawaine, Sir Gawaine, ye have set me 
in great sorrow, for I have great doubt that my true fel- 
lowship shall never meet more here again/’ 

When the queen, ladies, and gentlewomen wist these 
tidings, they had such sorrow and heaviness that no 
tongue might tell it, for those knights had holden them 
in honor and charity, but among all other, Queen Guen 


276 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


ever made great sorrow. “ I marvel,” said she, “ my lord 
will suffer them to depart from him.” Thus was all the 
court troubled, because those knights should depart. 

After this the queen came unto Sir Galahad, and asked 
him of whence he was, and of what country ; he told her 
of whence he was, and son unto Sir Launcelot she said he 
was. 

And then they went to rest them ; and in the honor 
of the highness of Sir Galahad he was led into King 
Arthur’s chamber, and there he rested him in his own 
bed ; and as soon as it was daylight the king arose, for he 
had taken no rest of all that night for sorrow. 

So anon Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine commanded 
their men to bring their arms ; and when they [were al 
armed, then the king would know how many they were, 
and they found by tale [count] that they were an hundred 
and fifty, and all knights of the Round Table.] 

And so they mounted their horses, and rode through 
the streets of Camelot, and there was weeping of the 
rich and poor, and the king turned away and might not 
speak for weeping. 

So within a while they came to a city and a castle that 
hight [was named] Vagon ; there they entered into the 
castle, and the lord of that castle was an old man that 
hight Vagon, and he was a good man of his living, and 
set open the gates, and made them all the good cheer that 
he might. 

And then they departed on the morrow with weeping 
and mourning cheer, and every knight took the way that 
him best liked. 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Per rival. 277 


CHAPTER V. 


How Sie Galahad gat him a Shield, and how they sped that 


PRESUMED TO TAKE DOWN THAT SHIELD. 


OW rideth Sir Galahad yet without shield ; and so 



-a ^ he rode four days without any adventure, and at the 
fourth day after even-song he came to a white abbey, and 
there he was received with great reverence, and led to a 
chamber ; and there he was unarmed, and then was he 
ware of two knights of the Round Table, one was King 
Bagdemagus, and that other was Sir Uwaine. And when 
they saw him, they went unto him and made of him great 
solace, and so they went to supper. 

“Sirs,” said Sir Galahad, “what adventure brought you 
hither?” 

“ Sir,” said they, “ it is told us that within this place 
is a shield that no man may bear about his neck but if 
that he be mischieved or dead within three days, or else 
maimed forever.” 

“ Ah, sir,” said King Bagdemagus, “ I shall bear it 
to-morrow for to assay this strange adventure.” 

“ In the name of God,” said Sir Galahad. 

“ Sir,” said King Bagdemagus, “ and I may not achieve 
the adventure of this shield, ye shall take it upon you, for 
I am sure ye shall not fail.” 

“ Sir,” said Sir Galahad, “ I agree right well thereto, for 
I have no shield.” 

So on the morrow they arose and heard mass. Then 
King Bagdemagus asked where the adventurous shield 
was ; anon a monk led him behind an altar, where the 
shield hung as white as any snow, but in the midst was a 
red cross. 


278 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


“Sir,” said the monk, “this shield ought not to be 
hanged about no knight’s neck, but he be the worthiest 
knight of the world, and therefore I counsel you knights 
to be well advised.” 

“ Well,” said King Bagdemagus, “ I wot well that I am 
not the best knight of the world, but yet shall I assay to 
bear it.” 

And so he bare it out of the monastery ; and then he 
said unto Sir Galahad, “ If it will please you, I pray you 
abide here still, till ye know how I shall speed.” 

“ I shall abide you here,” said Galahad. 

Then King Bagdemagus took with him a squire, the 
which should bring tidings unto Sir Galahad how he sped. 
Then when they had ridden a two mile, and came in a fair 
valley afore an hermitage, then they saw a goodly knight 
come from that part in white armor, horse and all, and he 
came as fast as his horse might run with his spear in the 
rest, and King Bagdemagus dressed his spear against him, 
and brake it upon the white knight ; but the other struck 
him so hard that he brake the mails, and thrust him through 
the right shoulder, for the shield covered him not as at 
that time, and so he bare him from his horse, and there- 
with he alighted and took the white shield from him, say- 
ing, “ Knight, thou hast done thyself great folly, for this 
shield ought not to be borne but by him that shall have 
no peer that liveth.” 

And then he came to King Bagdemagus’ squire and 
said, “ Bear this shield unto the good knight Sir Galahad, 
that thou left in the abbey, and greet him well from me.” 

And the squire went unto Bagdemagus and asked him 
whether he were sore wounded or not ? 

“Yea, forsooth,” said he, “I shall escape hard from the 
death.” 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Per rival. 270 

Then he fetched his horse, and brought him with great 
pain unto an abbey. Then was he taken down softly, and 
unarmed, and laid in a bed, and there was looked to his 
wounds. And he lay there long, and escaped hard with 
the life. 


CHAPTER VI. 

How Galahad departed with the Shield, and how King Evelakb 

HAD RECEIVED THE SHIELD OF JOSEPH OF ArIMATHEA. 

S IR GALAHAD,” said the squire, “that knight that 
wounded Bagdemagus sendeth you greeting, and bade 
that ye should bear this shield, wherethrough great ad- 
ventures should befall.” 

“ Now blessed be God and fortune,” said Sir Galahad. 
And then he asked his arms, and mounted upon his 
horse, and hung the white shield about his neck, and 
commended them unto God. And Sir Uwaine said he 
would bear him fellowship, if it pleased him. 

“ Sir,” said Sir Galahad, “ that may ye not, for I must 
go alone, save this squire that shall bear me fellowship.” 
And so departed Sir Uwaine. 

Then within a while came Sir Galahad there as the 
white knight abode him by the herm^age, and every each 
saluted other courteously. 

“ Sir,” said Sir Galahad, “ by this shield been fall many 
marvels.” 

“Sir,” said the knight, “it befell, after the passion of 
our Lord Jesu Christ thirty year, that Joseph of Ari- 
mathea, the gentle knight that took down our Lord from 
the cross, at that time he departed from Jerusalem with 
a great part of his Kindred with him, and so they labored 


28 o 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


till they came to a city that hight Sarras. And at that 
same hour that Joseph came unto Sarras, there was a king 
that hight Evelake, that had great war against the Sara- 
cens, and in especial against one Saracen, the which was 
King Evelake’s cousin, a rich king and a mighty, the 
which marched nigh this land, and his name was called 
Tollome le Feintes. So upon a day these two met to do 
battle. Then Joseph, the son of Joseph of Arimathea, went 
unto King Evelake, and told him that he would be dis- 
comfited and slain but if he left his believe of the old law 
and believe upon the new law. And then he showed him 
the right believe of the Holy Trinity, the which he agreed 
with all his heart, and there this shield was made for King 
Evelake, in the name of Him that died upon the cross ; 
and then through his good believe he had the better of 
King Tollome. For when King Evelake was in the battle, 
there was a cloth set afore the shield, and when he was in 
the greatest peril he let put away the cloth, and then anon 
his enemies saw a figure of a man upon the cross, where- 
through they were discomfited. And so it befell that a 
man of King Evelake’s had his hand smitten off, and bare 
his hand in his other hand, and Joseph called that man 
unto him, and bade him go with good devotion and touch 
the cross ; and as soon as that man had touched the cross 
with his hand it was as whole as ever it was before. Not 
long after that, Joseph was laid in his death bed, and 
when King Evelake saw that, he made great sorrow, and 
said: ‘For thy love I have left my country, and sith 
[since] thou shalt out of this world, leave me some token 
that I may think on thee.’ ‘ That will I do right gladly,’ 
said Joseph. ‘ Now bring me the shield that I took you 
when ye went into the battle against King Tollome.’ 
Then Joseph bled sore that he might not by no means 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Per rival. 281 


be stanched, and there upon that same shield he made a 
cross of his own blood. ‘Now ye shall never see this 
shield but that ye shall think on me, and it shall be 
always as fresh as it is now, and never shall no man bear 
this shield about his neck but he shall repent it, unto the 
time that Galahad the good knight bear it, and the last 
of my lineage shall have it about his neck, that shall do 
many marvellous deeds.’ ‘ Now,’ said King Evelake, 
‘where shall I put this shield, that this worthy knight 
may have it?’ ‘Ye shall leave it there as Nacien the 
hermit shall be put after his death. For thither shall 
that good knight come the fifteenth day after that he 
shall receive the order of knighthood. And so that day 
that they set is this time that ye have his shield. And 
in the same abbey lieth Nacien the hermit.’ ” 

And then the white knight vanished away. Anon, as 
the squire had heard these words, he alighted off his 
hackney, and kneeled down at Galahad’s feet, and prayed 
him that he might go with him till he had made him 
knight. So Sir Galahad granted him, and turned again 
unto the abbey there they came from. And there men 
made great joy of Sir Galahad. 


CHAPTER VII. 

How Sir Galahad fought with the Knights of the Castle, and 

DESTROYED THE WICKED CUSTOM. 

T HEN as Sir Galahad heard this, he thanked God, and 
took his horse, and he had not ridden but half a 
mile, he saw in a valley before him a strong castle with 
deep ditches, and there ran beside a fair river, the which 


282 


The Boy's King Arthur 


hight Sevarne ; and there he met with a man of great age, 
and either saluted other, and Sir Galahad asked him what 
was the castle’s name. 

‘‘Fair sir,” said he, “it is the Castle of Maidens.” 

“That is a cursed castle,” said Sir Galahad, “and all 
they that been conversant therein, for all pity is out 
thereof, and all hardiness and mischief is therein.” 

“ Therefore I counsel you, sir knight,” said the old man, 
“to return again.” 

“Sir,” said Sir Galahad, “wit ye well I shall not return 
again.” 

Then looked Sir Galahad on his armor that nothing 
failed him, and then he put his shield afore him ; and anon 
there met him seven maidens, that said unto him, “ Sir 
knight, ye ride here in a great folly, for ye have the waters 
for to pass over.” 

“ Why should I not pass the water ? ” said Sir Galahad. 

So rode he away from them, and met with a squire that 
said, “ Knight, those knights in the castle defy you, and 
forbid you ye go no further till that they wit what ye 
would.” 

“Fair sir,” said Galahad, “I come for to destroy the 
wicked custom of this castle.” 

“ Sir, and ye will abide by that, ye shall have enough to 
do.” 

“Go you now,” said Galahad, “and haste my needs.” 

Then the squire entered into the castle. And anon 
after there came out of the castle seven knights, and all 
were brethren. And when they saw Galahad, they cried, 
“Knight, keep thee, for we assure thee nothing but 
death.” 

“Why,” said Galahad, “will ye all have ado with me at 
once ? ” 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Percival. 283 


“Yea,” said they, “ thereto mayest thou trust.” 

Then Galahad put forth his spear, and smote the fore- 
most to the earth, that near he brake his neck. And 
therewith all the other smote him on his shield great 
strokes, so that their spears brake. Then Sir Galahad 
drew out his sword, and set upon them so hard that it was 
marvel to see it, and so, through great force, he made 
them to forsake the field ; and Galahad chased them till 
they entered into the castle, and so passed through the 
castle at another gate. And there met Sir Galahad an old 
man clothed in religious clothing, and said, “ Sir, have 
here the keys of this castle.” 

Then Sir Galahad opened the gates, and saw so much 
people in the streets that he might not number them, and 
all said, “Sir, ye be welcome, for long have we abiden 
here our deliverance.” 

Then came to him a gentlewoman, and said, “These 
knights be fled, but they will come again this night, and 
here to begin again their evil custom.” 

“ What will ye that I shall do ? ” said Galahad. 

“ Sir,” said the gentlewoman, “that ye send after all the 
knights hither that hold their lands of this castle, and 
make them to swear for to use the customs that were used 
heretofore of old time.” 

“ I will well,” said Galahad. 

And there she brought him an horn of ivory, bounden 
with gold, and said, “ Sir, blow ye this horn, which will be 
heard two mile about this castle.” 

And when Sir Galahad had blown the horn, he set him 
down upon a bed. Then came there a priest unto Sir 
Galahad, and said, “ Sir, it is past a seven year that these 
seven brethren came into this castle, and herborowed 
l harbored ] with the lord of this castle, which hight the 


284 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


duke Lianour ; and he was lord of all this country. And 
so when they espied the duke’s daughter that was a fair 
woman, then by their false covin [conspiracy] they slew 
him and his eldest son, and then they took the maiden 
and the treasure of the castle. And then by great force 
they held all the knights of this castle against their will 
under their obeisance, and in great servage and truage, 
robbing and pilling [pillaging] the poor common people 
of all that they had. So it happened upon a day that the 
duke’s daughter said, ‘ Ye have done to me great wrong 
to slay mine own father and my brother, and thus to hold 
our lands; not for then,’ said she, ‘ye shall not hold this 
castle for many years ; for by one knight ye shall be over- 
come.’ Thus she prophesied seven year before. ‘Well/ 
said the seven knights, ‘ sithence [since] ye say so, there 
shall never lady nor knight pass this castle, but they shall 
abide mauger [spite of] their heads, or die therefore, till 
that knight be come by whom we shall leese [lose] this 
castle.’ And therefore it is called the maidens’ castle, 
for they have devoured many maidens.” 

“Now,” said Sir Galahad, “is she here for whom this 
castle was lost ? ” 

“Nay,” said the priest, “she died within three nights 
after, and sithence have they kept her young sister, which 
endureth great pain, with moe other ladies.” 

By this were the knights of the country come. And 
then he made them do homage and fealty to the duke’s 
daughter, and set them in great ease of heart. And in 
the morn there came one to Galahad, and told him how 
that Gawaine, Gareth, and Uwaine had slain the seven 
brethren. 

“ I suppose well,” said Sir Galahad : and took his armor 
and his horse, and commended them unto God. 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Percizal. 285 


CHAPTER VIII. 

How Sir Galahad met with Sir Lauivcelot and with Sir Perci 

VAL, AND SMOTE THEM DOWN, AND DEPARTED FROM THEM. 

S O when Sir Galahad was departed from the Castle ol 
Maidens, he rode till he came to a waste forest, anc 
there he met with Sir Launcelot and Sir Percival, bul 
they knew him not, for he was new disguised. Right so, 
Sir Launcelot his father dressed his spear, and brake il 
upon Sir Galahad, and Sir Galahad smote him so again 
that he smote down horse and man. And then he drew 
his sword, and dressed him unto Sir Percival, and smote 
him so on the helm that it rove to the coif of steel, and 
had not the sword swerved Sir Percival had been slain, 
and with the stroke he fell out of his saddle. This joust 
was done before the hermitage where a recluse dwelled. 
And when she saw Sir Galahad ride, she said, “ God be 
with thee, best knight of the world. Ah, certes,” said she 
all aloud, that Launcelot and Percival might hear it, “ and 
yonder two knights had known thee as well as I do, they 
would not have encountered with thee.” 

When Sir Galahad heard her say so he was sore adread 
to be known : therewith he smote his horse with his spurs, 
and then rode a great pace froward them. Then perceived 
they both that he was Galahad, and up they gat on their 
horses, and rode fast after him, but in a while he was out 
of their sight. 


286 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER IX. 


How Sir Percival rode a Fiend in the Shape of a Horse, and 


HOW HE SAW A SERPENT AND A LlON FIGHT. 


HEN it fell that Sir Percival’s horse was slain ; and 



L 1 he gat him a hackney from a yeoman that he met, 
and the hackney was slain. Then Sir Percival] cast away 
his helm and sword, and said, “ Now am I a very wretch, 
cursed, and most unhappy above all other knights.” 

So in this sorrow he abode all that day, till it was night, 
and then he was faint, and laid him down and slept till it 
was midnight. And then he awaked, and saw afore him 
a woman which said unto him, “Abide me here, and I 
shall go fetch you an horse.” 

And so she came soon again, and brought an horse with 
her that was black. When Sir Percival beheld that horse, 
he marvelled that it was so great and so well apparelled ; 
and for then he was so hardy, he leaped upon him, and 
took none heed of himself. And so anon as he was upon 
him he thrust to him with his spurs, and so rode by a 
forest, and the moon shone clear. And within an hour 
and less, he bare him four days’ journey thence, till he 
came to a rough water the which roared, and his horse 
would have borne him into it. 

And when Sir Percival came nigh the brim, and saw the 
water so boisterous, he doubted to overpass it. And then 
he made the sign of the cross in his forehead. When the 
fiend felt him so charged, he shook off Sir Percival, and 
he went into the water, crying and roaring, making great 
sorrow ; and it seemed unto him that the water burnt 
Then Sir Percival perceived it was a fiend, the which 
would have brought him unto his perdition. 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Per rival. 287 

And so he prayed all that night, till on the morn that it 
was day. Then he saw that he was in a wild mountain 
the which was closed with the sea nigh all about, that he 
might see no land about him which might relieve him, but 
wild beasts. And then he went into a valley, and there 
he saw a young serpent bring a young lion by the neck, 
and so he came by Sir Percival. With that came a great 
lion crying and roaring after the serpent. And as fast as 
Sir Percival saw this, he marvelled, and hied him thither, 
but anon the lion had overtaken the serpent, and began 
battle with him. And then Sir Percival thought to help 
the lion, for he was the more natural beast of the two ; 
and therewith he drew his sword, and set his shield afore 
him, and there gave the serpent such a buffet that he had 
a deadly wound. When the lion saw that, he made no 
semblant to fight with him, but made him all the cheer 
that a beast might make a man. Then Sir Percival per- 
ceived that, and cast down his shield, which was broken, 
and then he did off his helm for to gather wind, for he 
was greatly enchafed with the serpent. And the lion 
weht alway about him fawning as a spaniel. And then 
he stroked him on the neck and on the shoulders. And 
then he thanked God of the fellowship of that beast. 
And about noon, the lion took his little whelp, and trussed 
him, and bare him there he came from. Then was Sir 
Perci /al alone. 

Thus when Sir Percival had prayed, he saw the lion 
come toward him, and then he couched down at his feet. 
And so all that night the lion and he slept together ; and 
when Sir Percival slept he dreamed a marvellous dream, 
that there two ladies met with him, and that one sat upon 
a lion, and that other sat upon a serpent, and that one of 
them was young, and the other was old, and the youngest 


288 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


him thought said, “Sir Percival, my lord saluteth thee, 
and sendeth thee word that thou array thee and make 
thee ready, for to-morrow thou must fight with the 
strongest champion of the world. ,, 


CHAPTER X. 


Ok Wonders and Marvels of a Ship, and of a Sword which Sir 


Galahad found therein. 


HEN, after many great deeds, it befell on a certain 



L 1 day that as the good knight Galahad rode, he was 
met by a damsel on a palfrey, and she led him towards 
the sea. And so at the seaside they found a ship wherein 
they entered, and Sir Bors and Sir Percival being in that 
ship greeted them with joy.] 

By then the ship went from the land of Logris, and by 
adventure it arrived up betwixt two rocks passing great 
and marvellous, but there they might not land, for there 
was a swallow of the sea, save there was another ship, 
and upon it they might go without danger. 

“ Go we thither,” said the gentlewoman, “ and there 
shall we see adventures, for so is our Lord’s will.” 

And when they came thither, they found the ship rich 
enough, but they found neither man nor woman therein. 
But they found in the end of the ship two fair letters 
written, which said a dreadful word and a marvellous : — 
“Thou man which shall enter into this ship, beware 
thou be in steadfast belief, for I am faith, and therefore 
beware how thou enterest, for and thou fail I shall not 
help thee.” 

Then said the gentlewoman, “ Percival, wot ye what I 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Per rival. 289 


“ Certainly,” said he, “ not to my witting.” 

“Wit ye well,” said she, *“I am thy sister, that am 
daughter of King Pellinore, and therefore wit ye well that 
ye are the man in the world that I most love ; and if ye 
be not in perfect belief, enter not in no manner of wise, 
for then should ye perish in the ship, for it is so perfect it 
will suffer no sin in it.” 

And when Sir Percival knew that she was his sister, he 
was inwardly glad, and said, “ Fair sister, I shall enter 
therein, for if I be a miss-creature or an untrue knight, 
there shall I perish.” 

In the meanwhile Sir Galahad blessed him, and entered 
therein, and then next the gentlewoman, and then Sir 
Bors and Sir Percival. And when they were therein, 
they found it so marvellous fair and rich, that they had 
great marvel thereof. And in the midst of the ship 
was a fair bed, and Sir Galahad went thereto, and found 
there a crown of silk, and at the feet was a sword rich 
and fair, and it was drawn out of the sheath half a foot 
and more, and the sword was of divers fashions, and the 
pommel was of stone, and there was in him all manner of 
colors that any man might find, and every each of the 
colors had divers virtues, and the scales of the haft were 
of two ribs of divers beasts. The one beast was a serpent, 
which was conversant in Calidone, and is called the serpent 
of the fiend. And the bone of him is of such a virtue, 
that there is no hand that handleth him shall never be 
weary nor hurt. And the other beast is a fish which is not 
right great, and haunteth the flood of Eufrates ; and that 
fish is called Ertanax, and his bones be of such a manner 
of kind, that who that handleth them shall have so much 
will that he shall never be weary, and he shall not think 
on joy nor sorrow that he hath had, but only that thing 


290 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


that he beholdeth before him. And as for this sword 
there shall never man begripe it at the handle but one, 
but he shall pass all other. 

“ In the name of God,” said Sir Percival, “ I shall essay 
t 1 ) handle it.” 

So he set his hand to the sword, but he might not 
begripe it. 

“By my faith,” said he, “now have I failed.” 

Sir Bors set his hand thereto and failed. Then Sir 
Galahad beheld the sword, and saw the letters like blood, 
that said, “ Let see who shall assay to draw me out of my 
sheath, but if he be more hardier than other, and who 
that draweth me, wit ye well that he shall never fail of 
shame of his body, or to be wounded to the death.” 

“ By my faith,” said Galahad, “ I would draw this sword 
out of the sheath, but the offending is so great that I 
shall not set my hand thereto.” 

“Now sir,” said the gentlewoman, “wit ye well that 
the drawing of this sword is forbidden to all men, save 
all only unto you. Also this ship arrived in the realm of 
Logris [England], and that time was deadly war between 
King Labor, which was father unto the maimed king, and 
King Hurlame, which was a Saracen. But then was he 
newly christened, so that men held him afterwards one of 
the wittiest men of the world. And so upon a day it 
befell that King Labor and King Hurlame had assembled 
their folk upon the sea, where this ship was arrived, and 
there King Hurlame was discomfit, and his men slain, 
and he was afeared to be dead, and fled to his ship, and 
there found this sword, and drew it, and came out and 
found King Labor, the man in the world of all Christen- 
dom in whom was then the greatest faith. And when 
King Hurlame saw King Labor, he dressed this sword, 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Percival. 


291 


and smote him upon the helm so hard, that he clave him 
and his horse to the earth with the first stroke of his 
sword. And it was in the realm of Logris ; and so befell 
great pestilence and great harm to both realms. For sith 
increased corn nor grass, nor well nigh no fruit, nor in the 
water was no fish, wherefore men call it the lands of the 
two marches, the waste land for the dolorous stroke. And 
when King Hurlame saw that this sword was so kerving 
\sharp\ he returned again to fetch the scabbard, and so 
came into this ship, and entered and put the sword into 
the scabbard ; and as soon as he had done so, he fell down 
dead before the bed. Thus was the sword proved, that 
none that drew it but he were dead or maimed.” 


CHAPTER XI. 

How King Pelles was smitten through Both Thighs because he 
drew the Sword, and other Marvellous Histories. 

S IR,” said she, “there was a king that hight Pelles tne 
Maimed King. And while he might ride, he supported 
much Christendom, and holy Church. So upon a day he 
hunted in a wood of his which lasted unto the sea, and at 
the last he lost his hounds and his knights, save only one ; 
and there he and his knight went till that they came tow- 
ard Ireland, and there he found the ship. And when he 
saw the letters and understood them, yet he entered, for 
he was right perfect of his life ; but his knight had none 
hardiness to enter, and there found he this sword, and 
drew it out as much as ye may see. So therewith entered 
a spear, wherewith he was smitten through both the 
thighs, and never sith might he be healed, nor nought 


292 The Boy's King Arthur . 

shall, tofore we come to him. Thus, said she, was King 
Pelles, your grandsire, maimed for his hardiness/’ 

“ In the name of God, damsel,” said Galahad. 

So they went toward the bed to behold all about it, and 
above the head there hung two swords. Also there were 
two spindles which were as white as any snow, and other 
that were as red as blood, and other above green as any 
emerald : of these three colors were the spindles, and of 
natural color within, and without any painting. 

“ These spindles,” said the damsel, “ were when sinful 
Eve came to gather fruit, for which Adam and she were 
put out of paradise, she took with her the bough on 
which the apple hung. Then perceived she that the 
branch was fair and green, and she remembered her the 
loss which came from the tree, then she thought to keep 
the branch as long as she might ; and because she had no 
coffer to keep it in, she put it into the ground. So by the 
will of our Lord the branch grew to a great tree within a 
little while, and was as white as any snow, branches, 
boughs, and leaves, that it was a token a maid planted it. 
And anon the tree, that was white, became as green as 
any grass, and all that came of it. And so it befell many 
days after, under the same tree, Cain slew his brother 
Abel, whereof befell full great marvel ; for anon as Abel 
had received the death under the green tree, it lost the 
green color and became red, and that was in tokening of 
the blood ; and anon all the plants died thereof, but the 
tree grew and waxed marvellous fair, and it was the fairest 
tree and the most delectable that any man might behold ; 
and so died the plants that grew out of it before the time 
that Abel was slain under it. So long endured the tree 
till that Solomon, King David’s son, reigned and held the 
land after his father. This Solomon was wise and knew 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Per rival. 293 


the virtues of stones and of trees, and so he knew the 
course of the stars, and many other things. This King 
Solomon had an evil wife, wherethrough he wend that 
there had never been no good woman ; and so he despised 
them in his books. So a voice answered him once, ‘ Solo- 
mon, if heaviness come unto a man by a woman, ne 
reck thou never ; for yet shall there come a woman where- 
of there shall come greater joy unto man an hundred 
times more than this heaviness giveth sorrow, and that 
woman shall be born of thy lineage.’ Then when Solo- 
mon heard these words, he held himself but a fool, and 
the truth he perceived by old books. Also the Holy 
Ghost showed him the coming of the glorious Virgin 
Mary. Then asked he of the voice if it should be in the 
end of his lineage. * Nay,’ said the voice, 4 but there shall 
come a man which shall be a [pure man] of your blood, 
and he shall be as good a knight as Duke Josua thy 
brother-in-law. 


CHAPTER XII. 


How Solomon took David’s Sword by the Counsel of his Wif* 


and of Other Matters Marvellous. 


OW have I certified thee of that thou stoodst ii 



JLN doubt.’ Then was Solomon glad that there should 
come any such of his lineage, but ever he marvelled and 
studied who that should be, and what his name might be. 
His wife perceived that he studied, and thought that she 
would know it at some season, and so she waited her time, 
and asked of him the cause of his studying, and there he 
told her altogether how the voice told him. ‘ Well,’ said 
she, ‘ I shall let make a ship of the best wood and most 


294 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


durable that men may find.’ So Solomon sent for all the 
carpenters of the land and the best. And when they had 
made the ship, the lady said to Solomon, * Sir,’ said she, 
* since it is so that this knight ought to pass all other 
knights of chivalry which have been tofore him, and shall 
come after him, moreover I shall tell you,’ said she, ‘ye 
shall go into our Lord’s temple, whereas is King David’s 
sword, your father, the which is the marvellousest and 
sharpest that ever was taken in any knight’s hand. 
Therefore take that, and take off the pommel, and thereto 
make ye a pommel of precious stones, that it be so sub- 
tilly made that no man perceive it but that they be all 
one. And after make there an hilt so marvellously and 
wonderly that no man may know it ; and after make a 
marvellous sheath ; and when you have made all this, I 
shall let make a girdle thereto, such as shall please you.* 
All this King Solomon let make as she devised, both the 
ship and all the remnant. And when the ship was ready 
in the sea for to sail, the lady let make a great bed and 
marvellous rich, and set her upon the bed’s head covered 
with silk, and laid the sword at the bed’s feet ; and the 
girdles were of hemp. And therewith was the king 
angry. ‘Sir, wit ye well,’ said she, ‘that I have none so 
high a thing that were worthy to sustain so big a sword, 
and a maid shall bring other knights thereto, but I wot 
not when it shall be, nor what time.’ And there' she let 
make a covering to the ship, of cloth of silk that shall 
never rot for no manner of weather. Yet went that lady 
and made a carpenter to come to that tree which Abel 
was slain under. ‘Now,’ said she, ‘carve me out of this 
tree as much wood as will make me a spindle.’ ‘Ah! 
madam,’ said the carpenter, ‘this is the tree the which our 
first mother planted.’ ‘Do it,’ said she, ‘or else I shall 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Per rival. 


295 


destroy thee.’ Anon, as the carpenter began to work, 
there came out drops of blood, and then would he have 
left, but she would not suffer him. And so he took away 
as much wood as might well make a spindle ; and so she 
made him to take as much of the green tree and of the 
white tree. And when these three spindles were shapen, 
she made them to be fastened on the bed. When Solo- 
mon saw this he said to his wife, ‘Ye have done marvel- 
lously, for though all the world were here now, they could 
not tell wherefore all this was made, but our Lord him- 
self, and thou that hast done it wottest not what it shall 
betoken.’ ‘Now let it be,’ said she, ‘for ye shall hear 
tidings sooner than ye ween.’ 


CHAPTER XIII. 


Op the Wonderful Tale of King Solomon and his Wife. 
HAT night lay King Solomon before the ship with a 



J- small fellowship. And when King Solomon was 
on sleep, him thought there came from heaven a great 
company of angels, and alighted into the ship and took 
water which was brought by an angel in a vessel of silver, 
and besprent \besprinkled ] all the ship; and after he came 
to the sword, and drew letters on the hilt. And after 
went to the ship’s board, and wrote there other letters, 
which said : ‘Thou man that wilt enter within me, beware 
that thou be full within the faith, for I ne \not\ am but 
faith and belief.’ When Solomon espied these letters he 
was abashed, so that he durst not enter, and so drew him 
aback, and the ship was anon shoven in the sea, and he 


296 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


went so fast that he lost sight of him within a little while. 
And then a little voice said, ‘ Solomon, the last knight of 
thy lineage shall rest in this bed/ Then went Solomon 
and awaked his wife and told her of the adventures of the 
ship.” 

Now a great while the three fellows \Galahad , and his 
two friends\ beheld the bed and the three spindles. Then 
they were at certain that they were of natural colors, 
without painting. Then they lifted up a cloth which was 
above the ground, and there they found a rich purse by 
seeming. And Percival took it, and found therein a writ, 
and so he read it, and devised the manner of the spindles, 
and of the ship, whence it came, and by whom it was 
made. 

“Now,” said Galahad, “where shall we find the gentle- 
woman that shall make new girdles to the sword ? ” 

“Fair sir,” said Percival’s sister, “dismay you not, for 
by the leave of God I shall let make a girdle to the sword, 
such one as shall belong thereto.” 

And then she opened a box, and took out girdles which 
were seemly wrought with golden threads, and thereupon 
were set full of precious stones, and a rich buckle of gold. 

“Lo, lords,” said the gentlewoman, “here is a girdle 
that ought to be set about the sword ; and wit ye well 
that the greatest part of this girdle was made of my~hair, 
the which I loved full well while I was a woman of the 
world ; but as soon as I wist that this adventure was or- 
dained me, I clipped off my hair, and made this girdle in 
the name of God.” 

“Ye are well found,” said Sir Bors, “for truly ye have 
put us out of a great pain, wherein we should have en- 
tered ne had your teaching been.” 

Then went the gentlewoman and set it upon the girdle 
of the sword. 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Per rival. 297 

“Now,” said the three fellows, “what is the right name 
of the sword, and what shall we call it ? ” 

“Truly,” said she, “the name of the sword is the 
Sword with the Strange Girdles, and the scabbard, Mover 
of Blood ; for no man that hath blood in him shall never 
see the one part of the scabbard which was made of the 
tree of life.” 

Then they said unto Sir Galahad, “In the name of 
Jesu Christ, we pray you that ye gird you with this 
sword, which hath been so much desired in the realm of 
Logris.” 

“ Now let me begin,” said Sir Galahad, “ to grip this 
sword for to give you courage ; but wot ye well that it 
belongeth no more to me than it doth to you.” 

And then he gripped about it with his fingers a great 
deal, and then she girded him about the middle with the 
sword. 

“ Now reck I not though I die, for now I hold me one 
of the blessed maidens of the world, which hath made 
thee the worthiest knight of the world.” 

“Fair damsel,” said Sir Galahad, “ye have done so 
much that I shall be your knight all the days of my life.” 

Then they went from that ship, and went into the 
other ship ; and anon the wind drove them into the sea a 
great pace, but they had no victual. But it happened 
that they came on the morrow to a castle which men 
call Courteloise that was in the marches of Scotland. 
And when they had passed the port, the gentlewoman 
said, “ Lords, here be men arriven that, and they wist 
that ye were of King Arthur’s court, ye should be assailed 
anon.” 

“Damsel,” said Galahad, “he that cast us out of the 
rock shall deliver us from them.” 


298 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


[And it happened after that Sir Percival’s sister of her 
own wish died for the healing of a certain lady, and the 
lady was healed. Then, as she had desired beforehand. 
Sir Percival laid her in a barge and] covered it with silk ; 
and the wind arose and drove the barge from land, and all 
knights beheld it till it was out of their sight. 


CHAPTER XIV. 


How Sir Launcelot entered into the Ship where Sir Percival’s 
Sister lay Dead, and how he met with Sir Galahad his Son. 

HEN Sir Launcelot was come to the water of Mort- 



V V aise, he was in great peril, and so he laid him 
down and slept, and took his adventure that God would 
send him. So when he was asleep, there came a vision 
unto him, and said, “ Launcelot, arise up and take thine 
armor, and enter into the first ship that thou shalt find.” 

And when he had heard these words, he started up, and 
saw a great clearness about him ; and then he lifted up his 
hand and blessed him, and so took his armor, and made 
him ready. And by adventure he came by a strand, and 
found a ship the which was without sail or oars ; and as 
soon as he was within the ship, there he felt the * most 
sweetest savor that ever he felt, and he was fulfilled with 
all things that he thought on or desired. And so in this 
joy he lay him down on the ship-board, and slept till day- 
light. And when he awoke, he found there a fair bed, 
and therein lying a gentlewoman dead, the which was 
Sir Percival’s sister. And as Sir Launcelot beheld her, 
he espied in her right hand a writing, the which he read, 
wherein he found all the adventures as ye have heard 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Per rival. 


299 


before, and of what lineage she was come. So with this 
gentlewoman Sir Launcelot was a month and more. 

So upon a night he went to play him by the water’s side, 
for he was somewhat weary of the ship, and then he lis- 
tened, and heard an horse come, and one riding upon him. 
And when he came nigh he seemed a knight. And so he 
let him pass, and went there as the ship was, and there he 
alighted, and took the saddle and the bridle and put the 
horse from him, and went into the ship. And then 
Launcelot dressed unto him and said, “Ye be welcome.” 

And he answered and saluted him again, and asked 
him, “What is your name? for much my heart giveth 
unto you.” 

“ Truly,” said he, “ my name is Launcelot du Lake.” 

“ Sir,” said he, “ then be ye welcome, for ye were the 
beginner of me in this world.” 

“ Ah,” said he, “ are ye Galahad ? ” 

“Yea forsooth,” said he. 

And so he kneeled down and asked him his blessing, 
and after took off his helm and kissed him. And there 
was great joy between them, for there is no tongue can 
tell the joy that they made either of other, and many a 
friendly word spoken between, as kind \nature\ would, the 
which is no need here to be rehearsed. And there every 
each told other of their adventures and marvels that were 
befallen to them in many journeys, sith that they departed 
from the court. Anon as Galahad saw the gentlewoman 
dead in the bed, he knew her well enough, and told great 
worship of her, and that she was the best maid living, 
and it was great pity of her death. But when Launcelot 
heard how the marvellous sword was gotten, and who 
made it, and all the marvels rehearsed afore, then he 
prayed Galahad his son that he would show him the 


300 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


sword, and so he did. And anon he kissed the pommel, 
and the hilts, and the scabbard. 

"Truly,” said Launcelot, “never erst knew I of so high 
adventures done, and so marvellous and strange.” So 
dwelled Launcelot and Galahad within that ship half a 
year, and served God daily and nightly with all their 
power. And often they arrived in isles far from folk, 
where there repaired none but wild beasts ; and there 
they found many strange adventures and perilous, which 
they brought to an end. 


CHAPTER XV. 


How Snt Launcelot was nigh the Sancgreal, but was driven 


FORTH FROM IT, WITH TERRORS AND WONDERS. 


HEN on a certain day, a knight in white called to 



L JL Sir Galahad from the shore to leave that ship and 
fare on his quest, and Sir Galahad departed from his 
father Sir Launcelot, and rode off upon the shore. Bur 
Sir Launcelot drove a month through the sea, ever pray 
ing for news of the Sancgreal.] 

So it befell on a night, at midnight he arrived afore a 
castle, on the back side, which was rich and fair. - And 
there was a postern opened towards the sea, and was open 
without any keeping, save two lions kept the entry ; and 
the moon shone clear. Anon Sir Launcelot heard a voice 
that said, “ Launcelot, go out of this ship, and enter into 
the castle, where thou shalt see a great part of thy desire.” 
Then he ran to his arms, and so armed him, and so he 
went to the gate, and saw the lions. Then set he hand to 
his sword, and drew it. Then there came a dwarf suddenly, 



Sir Launcelot at the Castle of the Holy Grail 






Of Sir Galahad and Sir Percival. 


301 


and smote him on the arm so sore that the sword fell out 
of his hand. Then took he again his sword, and put it up 
in his sheath, and make a cross in his forehead, and came 
to the lions, and they made semblant to do him harm. 
Notwithstanding he passed by them without hurt, and en- 
tered into the castle to the chief fortress, and there were 
they all at rest. Then Launcelot entered in so armed, 
for he found no gate nor door but it was open. And at 
the last he found a chamber whereof the door was shut, 
and he set his hand thereto to have opened it, but he 
might not. 

Then he enforced him mickle [much\ to undo the door 
Then he listened, and heard a voice which sang so sweetly 
that it seemed none earthly thing. Then Sir Launcelot 
kneeled down before the chamber, for well wist he that 
there was the Sancgreal within that chamber. Then 
said he, “Fair sweet Father Jesu Christ, if ever I did 
thing that pleased the Lord, for thy pity have me not in 
despite for my sins done aforetime, and that thou show me 
something of that I seek ! ” 

And with that he saw the chamber door open, and there 
came out a great clearness, that the house was as bright 
as all the torches of the world had been there. So came 
he to the chamber door, and would have entered. And 
anon a voice said to him, “ Flee, Launcelot, and enter not, 
for thou oughtest not to do it : and if thou enter thou 
shalt forthink it.” Then he withdrew him aback right 
heavy. Then looked he up in the midst of the chamber, 
and saw a table of silver, and the holy vessel covered with 
red samite, and many angels about it. 

Right soon he entered into the chamber, and came 
toward the table of silver ; and, when he came nigh, he 
felt a breath, that him thought was entermedled [mingled] 


302 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


with fire, which smote him so sore in the visage, that him 
thought it all to-burnt his visage, and therewith he fell to 
the ground, and had no power to arise. Then felt he 
many hands about him, which took him up, and bare him 
out of the chamber without any amending of his sowne 
[swoon], and left him there seeming dead to all the people. 
So on the morrow, when it was fair daylight, they within 
were arisen, and found Sir Launcelot lying before the 
chamber door : all they marvelled how he came in. And 
so they took him by every part of the body, and bare him 
into a chamber, and laid him in a rich bed far from all 
folk. 

[Thus lay Sir Launcelot twenty-four days and nights, 
like as it were a punishment for the twenty-four years 
that he had been a sinner. And at the last he recovered 
himself.] 

So Sir Launcelot departed, and took his armor, and said 
that he would go see the realm of Logris, “ which I have 
not seen in a twelvemonth.” And therewith he [took his 
leave and] rode through many realms. And he turned 
unto Camelot, where he found King Arthur and the 
queen. But many of the knights of the Round Table 
were slain and destroyed, more than half. And so three 
were come home, Ector, Gawaine, and Lionel, and jmanv 
other that need not to be rehearsed. And all the court 
was passing glad of Sir Launcelot ; and the king asked 
him many tidings of his son Galahad. And there Launce- 
lot told the king of his adventures that had befallen him 
since he departed. And also he told him of the adven- 
tures of Galahad, Percival, and Bors, which that he knew 
by the letter of the dead damsel, and as Galahad had told 
him. 

“Now, God would,” said the king, “that they were aL 
three here/’ 


Of Sir Galahad and Sir Percival, 303 

“That shall never be,” said Launcelot, “for two of 
them shall ye never see, but one of them shall come 
again.” 


CHAPTER XVI. 


How Sir Galahad achieved the Sancgrral, and was taken up 


into Heaven. 



OW Sir Galahad rode many journeys in vain, and 


LI M afterward, meeting with Sir Bors and Sir Percival, 
they knew many wonders and adventures ; till on a cer- 
tain day they came down into a ship, and in the midst 
thereof they found a table of silver and the Holy Grail all 
covered with white samite. And the Holy Grail wrought 
many miracles, comforting them in prison, feeding them, 
and healing the sick. And it befell that the Paynim king 
who had cast them in prison died, and the people by one 
accord chose Sir Galahad to be king, and he reigned there 
a year. And on a certain morning Sir Galahad, having 
risen early, and come unto the palace, saw before him the 
Holy Grail, and a man kneeling, and about him a great 
fellowship of angels. Then Sir Galahad knew that his 
hour was come. And he] went to Sir Percival, and kissed 
him and commended him to God ; and he went to Sir 
Bors, and kissed him and commended him to God, and 
said, “ Fair lord, salute me to my lord Sir Launcelot, my 
father.” 

And therewith he kneeled down before the table and 
made his prayers ; and then suddenly his soul departed, 
and a great multitude of angels bare his soul up to heaven. 
Also the two fellows saw come from heaven an hand, but 
they saw not the body ; and then it came to the [Holy 
Grail] and took it, and the spear, and so bare it to heaven. 


304 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


Since was there never man so hardy to say that he had 
seen the Holy Grail. 


CHAPTER XVII. 


How Sir Percival died, and Sir Bors returned to Camelot. 
HEN after a year and two months, Sir Percival, hav- 



L A ing lived a holy life in a hermitage, departed away 
from this world. And having buried him by his sister 
and Sir Galahad, Sir Bors entered into a ship and came at 
last to Logris, and rode fast to Camelot where King 
Arthur was. And there was great joy made of him, for 
they weened he had been dead.] 

And anon Sir Bors said to Sir Launcelot, “Galahad, 
your own son saluted you by me, and after you King 
Arthur, and all the court, and so did Sir Percival : for I 
buried them with mine own hands in the city of Sarras. 
Also, Sir Launcelot, Galahad prayeth you to remember 
of this uncertain world, as ye behight him when ye were 
together more than half a year.” 

“This is true/' said Launcelot; “now I trust to God 
his prayer shall avail me.” 

Then Launcelot took Sir Bors in his arms, and said, 
“ Gentle cousin, ye are right welcome to me, and all that 
ever I may do for you and for yours, ye shall find my poor 
body ready at all times whiles the spirit is in it, and that 
I promise you faithfully, and never to fail. And wit ye 
well, gentle cousin Sir Bors, that ye and I will never 
depart in sunder whilst our lives may last.” 


“Sir,” said he, “I will as ye will.” 


BOOK VI. 


OF THE DEATH OF ARTHUR* 


CHAPTER I. 

How Queen Guenever was appealed of Murdering a Knight. 

S O after the quest of the Sane Greal was fulfilled, and 
all knights that were left on live were come again to 
the Table Round, then was there great joy, and in espe- 
cial King Arthur and Queen Guenever made great joy of 
the remnant that were come home. 

And then the queen let make a dinner in London unto 
the knights of the Round Table. All at that dinner she 
had Sir Gawaine and his brethren, that is to say, Sir 
Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, Sir Gareth, and Sir Mordred. 
Also there was Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Blamor de Ganis, 
Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir 
Ector de Maris, Sir Lionel, Sir Palamides, Sir Safere his 
brother, Sir La Cote Mai Taile, Sir Persant, Sir Ironside, 
Sir Brandiles, Sir Kay le Seneschal, Sir Mador de la Porte, 
Sir Patrice, a knight of Ireland, [Sir] Aliduke, Sir Asto- 

1 This event— the death of King Arthur — gave name to the whole 
series of stories with some of the older editors: Caxton, for example, the 
first printer of Sir Thomas Malory’s book, issued it under the title “ La Mori 
Darthur,” that is, la mort (French, the death ) <f Arthur ( of Arthur). 

305 


306 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


more, and Sir Pinel le Savage, the which was cousin to Sir 
Lamorak de Galis, the good knight that Sir Gawaine and 
his brethren slew by treason. And so these four and 
twenty knights should dine with the queen, and there was 
made a great feast of all manner of dainties. But Sil 
Gawaine had a custom that he used daily at dinner and at 
supper, that he loved well all manner of fruit, and in espe- 
cial apples and pears. And therefore whosoever dined 
or feasted Sir Gawaine would commonly purvey for good 
fruit for him ; and so did the queen for to please Sir Ga 
waine, she let purvey for him of all manner of fruit, for 
Sir Gawaine was a passing hot knight of nature. And 
this Pinel hated Sir Gawaine because of his kinsman Sir 
Lamorak de Galis, and therefore for pure envy and hate 
Sir Pinel enpoisoned certain apples, for to enpoison Sir 
Gawaine. And so this was well unto the end of the meat ; 
and so it befell by misfortune a good knight named Pa- 
trice, cousin unto Sir Mador de la Porte, to take a poisoned 
apple. And when he had eaten it he swelled so till he 
burst, and there Sir Patrice fell down suddenly dead 
among them. Then every knight leaped from the board 
ashamed and enraged for wrath, nigh out of their wits. 
For they wist not what to say : considering Queen Guene- 
ver made the feast and dinner, they all had suspicion unto 
her. 

“My lady, the queen,” said Gawaine, “wit ye well, 
madam, that this dinner was made for me : for all folks 
that know my conditions understand that I love well fruit ; 
and now I see well I had near been slain; therefore, 
madam, I dread lest ye will be shamed.” 

Then the queen stood still, and was sore abashed, that 
she wist not what to say. 

“This shall not so be ended,” said Sir Mador de la 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


307 


Porte, “for here have I lost a full noble knight of my 
blood, and therefore upon this shame and despite I will be 
revenged to the uttermost.” 

And thereupon Sir Mador appealed Queen Guenever of 
the death of his cousin Sir Patrice . 1 Then stood they all 
still, that none of them would speak a word against him, 
for they had a great suspection [ suspicion ] unto Queen 
Guenever, because she let make the dinner. And the 
queen was so sore abashed that she could none otherwise 
do but wept so heartily that she fell in a swoon. With 
this noise and sudden cry came unto them King Arthur, 
and marvelled greatly what it might be; and when he 
wist of their trouble, and the sudden death of that good 
knight Sir Patrice, he was a passing heavy man. 


CHAPTER II. 


How Sir Mador impeached the Queen of Treason, and there waj 
no Knight would fight for her at the First Time. 


ND ever Sir Mador stood still before King Artnur, 



and ever he appealed Queen Guenever of treason ; 
for the custom was such at that time that all manner of 
shameful death was called treason. 

“ Fair lords,” said King Arthur, “ me repenteth sore of 
this trouble, but the cause is so we may not have to do in 
this matter, for I must be a rightful judge, and that re- 

* We have here the beginning of that series of quarrels which presently 
arrays Sir Gawaine and King Arthur (who with many protests allows himselt 
to be guided by Sir Gawaine) on one side, against Queen Guenever and Sil 
Launcelot (who has taken the queen’s part) on the other, and which ends with 
the great battle in which Arthur is slain and the Round Table broken up for 


308 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


penteth me that I may not do battle for my wife, for, as 1 
deem, this deed came never of her ; and therefore I sup- 
pose we shall not all be destitute, but that some good 
knight shall put his body in jeopardy for my queen rather 
than she should be brent \burnt\ in a wrong quarrel ; 
and therefore, Sir Mador, be not so hasty, for it may 
happen she shall not be all friendless, and therefore desire 
thou the day of battle, and she shall purvey her of some 
good knight which shall answer you, or else it were to me 
great shame, and unto all my court.” 

“My gracious lord,” said Sir Mador, “ye must hold me 
excused, for though ye be our king, in that degree ye are 
but a knight as we are, and ye are sworn unto knighthood 
as well as we, and therefore I pray you that ye will not be 
displeased; for there is none of the twenty knights that 
were bidden for to come unto this dinner, but all they 
have great suspection unto the queen. What say you 
all, my lords ? ” said Sir Mador. 

Then they answered by and by, and said they could not 
excuse the queen, for why she made the dinner, and either 
it must come by her or by her servants. 

“ Alas,” said the queen, “ I made this dinner for a good 
intent, and never for none evil ; so Almighty God help me 
in my right.” 

“ My lord the king,” said Sir Mador, “ I require you, as 
ye be a righteous king, give me a day that I may have 
justice.” 

“Well,” said the king, “I give the day this day fifteen 
days, that thou be ready armed on horseback in the 
meadow beside Westminster. And if it so fall that there 
be any knight to encounter with you, there mayest thou 
do the best, and God speed the right. And if it so fall 
that there be no knight at that day, then must my queen 


Of the Death of Arthur . 509 

be burnt, and there shall she be ready to have her judg- 
ment.” 

"I am answered,” said Sir Mador; and every knight 
went where it liked him. 

So when the king and queen were together, the king 
asked the queen how this case befell ? 

The queen answered, “ So God me help, I wot not how, 
nor in what manner.” 

“ Where is Sir Launcelot?” said King Arthur, “and 
he were here, he would not grudge to do battle for you.” 

“ Sir,” said the queen, “ I wot not where he is, but his 
brother and his kinsmen deem that he is not within this 
realm.” 

[For, within a little while before, it happened on a day 
that Queen Guenever was displeased with Sir Launcelot 
and forbade him the court, and that Sir Launcelot full 
sadly left the court and departed into his country and 
dwelt with the hermit Sir Brasias.] 

“ That me repenteth,” said King Arthur, “ for and he 
were here he would soon stint this strife. Then I will 
counsel you,” said the king, “ that ye go unto Sir Bors, 
and pray him to do that battle for you for Sir Launcelot’s 
sake, and upon my life he will not refuse you ; for right 
well I perceive that none of all these twenty knights that 
were with you in fellowship at your dinner will do battle 
for you : [which would be] great slander for you in this 
court.” 

“ Alas ! ” said the queen, “ I cannot do withal ; but 
now I miss Sir Launcelot, for, and he were here, he would 
put me full soon unto my heart’s ease.” 

“ Now go your way,” said the king unto the queen, 
u and require Sir Bors to do battle for you for Sir Launch 
lot’s sake.” 


The Boy's King Arthur 


3 10 


CHAPTER III. 

How the Queen required Sir Bors to fight for her, and how 

HE GRANTED her UPON A CONDITION, AND HOW HE WARNED SlR 
T.AUNCELOT THEREOF. 

S O the queen departed from the king, and sent for Sir 
Bors into her chamber ; and when he was come, she 
besought him of succor. 

“ Madam,” said he, “what would ye that I do? for I 
may not with my worship have to do in this matter, be- 
cause I was at that same dinner, for dread that any of 
those knights would have me in suspection ; also, madam,” 
said Sir Bors, “ now miss ye Sir Launcelot, for he would 
not have failed you, neither in right nor yet in wrong, as 
ye have well proved when ye have been in danger, and 
now have ye driven him out of this country, by whom ye 
and we all were daily worshipped . 1 Therefore, madam, I 
greatly marvel me how ye dare for shame require me to 
do any thing for you, in so much as ye have chased him 
j>ut of your country by whom we were borne up and 
honored.” 

“ Alas ! fair knight,” said the queen, “ I put me wholly 
in your grace, and all that is done amiss I will amend as 
ye will counsel me.” 

And therewith she kneeled down upon both her knees, 
and besought Sir Bors to have mercy upon her, “ or I shall 
have a shameful death, and thereto I never offended.” 

Right so came King Arthur, and found the queen 
kneeling afore Sir Bors. Then Sir Bors pulled her up 
and said, “ Madam, ye do to me great dishonor.” 

1 “ Worshipped,” made of worth, honored . 


Of the Death of Arthur 


3ii 

“ Ah, gentle knight,” said the king, “ have mercy upon 
my queen, courteous knight, for I am now in certain she 
is untruly defamed. And therefore, courteous knight,” 
said the king, “ promise her to do battle for her : I require 
you, for the love of Sir Launcelot.” 

“My lord,” said Sir Bors, “ye require me the greatest 
thing that any man may require me ; and wit ye well, if I 
grant to do battle for the queen I shall wrath many of my 
fellowship of the Table Round ; but as for that,” said 
Bors, “ I will grant my lord, for my lord Sir Launcelot’s 
sake, and for your sake, I will at that day be the queen’s 
champion, unless that there come by adventure a better 
knight than I am to do battle for her.” 

“Will ye promise me this,” said the king, “by your 
faith?” 

“Yea sir,” said Sir Bors, “of that will I not fail you, 
nor her both, but if that there come a better knight than 
I am, and then shall he have the battle.” 

Then was the king and the queen passing glad, and so 
departed, and thanked him heartily. So then Sir Bors 
departed secretly upon a day, and rode unto Sir Launce- 
lot, there as he was with the hermit Sir Brasias, and told 
him of all their adventure. 

“Ah,” said Sir Launcelot, “this is come happily as I 
would have it, and therefore I pray you make you ready 
to do battle, but look that ye tarry till ye see me come, as 
long as ye may. For I am sure Mador is an hot knight, 
when he is enchafed, for the more ye suffer him, the has- 
tier will he be to battle.” 

“Sir,” said Sir Bors, “let me deal with him; doubt ye 
not ye shall have all your will.” 

Then departed Sir Bors from him, and came to the 
court again. Then was it noised in all the court that Sir 


3 12 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


Bors should do battle for the queen : wherefore many 
knights were displeased with him, that he would take 
upon him to do battle in the queen’s quarrel, for there 
were but few knights in the court but they deemed the 
queen was in the wrong, and that she had done that 
treason. So Sir Bors answered thus unto his fellows of 
the Table Round : “ Wit ye well, my fair lords, it were 
shame to us all, and we suffered to see the most noble 
queen of the world to be shamed openly, considering her 
lord and our lord is the man of most worship in the world, 
and most christened, and he hath ever worshipped us all, 
in all places.” 

Many answered him again : “ As for our most noble 
King Arthur, we love him and honor him as well as ye do ; 
but as for Queen Guenever, we love her not, for because 
she is a destroyer of good knights.” 

“Fair lords,” said Sir Bors, “me seemeth ye say not as 
ye should say, for never yet in all my days knew I nor 
heard say that ever she was a destroyer of any good 
knight ; but at all times, as far as I ever could know, she 
was always a maintainer of good knights, and alway she 
hath been large and free of her goods to all good knights, 
and the most bounteous lady of her gifts and her good 
grace that ever I saw or heard speak of ; and therefore it 
were great shame,” said Sir Bors, “ unto us all to our most 
noble king’s wife, if we suffer her to be shamefully slain. 
And wit ye well,” said Sir Bors, “ I will not suffer it, for 
I dare say so much, the queen is not guilty of Sir Patrice’ 
death, for she ought \owed ] him never none evil will, nor 
none of the twenty-four knights that were at that dinner ; 
for I dare well say that it was for good love she had us to 
dinner, and not for no mal engine \bad design\ and that I 
dou»jt not shall be proved hereafter, for, howsoever the 
game goeth, there was treason among some of us.” 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


3i3 


Then some said to Sir Bors, “ We may well believe your 
words.” 

And so some of them were well pleased, and some were 
not pleased. 


CHAPTER IV. 


How at the Day Sir Bors made him ready for to fight for 
Queen Guenever, and how another discharged him when he 

SHOULD FIGHT. 



HE day came on fast until the even that the battle 


JL should be. Then the queen sent for Sir Bors, and 
asked him how he was disposed. 

“ Truly, madam,” said he, “ I am disposed in likewise as 
I promised you, [and I will not] fail you, unless by adven- 
ture there come a better knight than I to do battle for 
you ; then, madam, I am discharged of my promise.” 

Then the queen went unto the king, and told him the 
answer of Sir Bors. 

“ Have ye no doubt,” said the king, “ of Sir Bors, for I 
call him now one of the best knights of the world, and 
the most profitable man.” 

And thus it passed on until the morn. And the king 
and the queen, and all manner of knights that were there 
at that time, drew them unto the meadow beside West- 
minster, where the battle should be. And so when the 
king was come with the queen, and many knights of the 
Round Table, then the queen was put there in the con- 
stable’s ward, and a great fire made about an iron stake, 
that, and Sir Mador de la Porte had the better, she should 
be burnt. Such custom was used in those days, that 
neither for favor, neither for love, nor affinity, there 


3 x 4 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


should be none other but righteous judgment, as well 
upon a king as upon a knight, and as well upon a queen 
as upon another poor lady. So in this meanwhile came 
in Sir Mador de la Porte, and took his oath before the 
king, That the queen did this treason unto his cousin Sir 
Patrice, and unto his oath he would prove it with his 
body, hand for hand, who that would say the contrary. 
Right so came in Sir Bors, and said, that as for Queen 
Guenever, she is in the right, “ and that will I make good 
with my hands, that she is not culpable of this treason 
that is put upon her.” 

“ Then make thee ready,” said Sir Mador, “ and we shall 
prove whether thou be in the right or I.” 

“ Sir Mador,” said Sir Bors, “ wit thou well I know you 
for a good knight : but I trust unto almighty God I shall 
be able to withstand your malice : but thus much have I 
promised my lord King Arthur, and my lady the queen, 
that I shall do battle for her in this case to the uttermost, 
unless that there come a better knight then I am, and dis- 
charge me.” 

“Is that all?” said Sir Mador; “either come thou off, 
and do battle with me, or else say nay.” 

“Take your horse,” said Sir Bors, “and, as I suppose, 
ye shall not tarry long but that ye shall be answered.” 

Then either departed to their tents, and made them 
ready to mount upon horseback as they thought best. 
And anon Sir Mador de la Porte came into the field with 
his shield on his shoulder, and a spear in his hand ; and 
so rode about the place, crying unto King Arthur, “ Bid 
your champion come forth, and he dare.” 

Then was Sir Bors ashamed, and took his horse, and 
came to the list’s end. And then was he ware where as 
came out of a wood, there fast by, a knight all armed at 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


315 


all points upon a white horse, with a strange shield, and 
of strange arms ; and he came riding all that he might 
run ; and so he came to Sir Bors, and said, “Fair knight, 
I pray you be not displeased, for here must a better knight 
than ye are have this battle ; therefore I pray you to with- 
draw you, for I would ye knew I have had this day a right 
great journey, and this battle ought to be mine, and so I 
promised you when I spake with you last, and with all my 
heart I thank you of your good will.” 

Then Sir Bors rode unto King Arthur, and told him 
how there was a knight come that would have the battle 
for to fight for the queen. 

“ What knight is he ? ” said the king. 

“ I wot not,” said Sir Bors, “ but such covenant he made 
with me to be here this day. Now my lord,” said Sir Bo*'?* 
“here am I discharged.” 


CHAPTER V. 

How Sir Launcelot fought against Sir Mador for the Quxkn. 
and how he overcame Sir Mador and discharged the Queen. 

T HEN the king called to that knight, and asked him 
if he would fight for the queen. Then he answered 
to the king, “Therefore came I hither, and therefore, Sir 
king,” he said, “tarry me no longer, for I may not tarry. 
For anon as I have finished this battle I must depart 
hence, for I have ado many matters elsewhere. For wit 
you well,” said that knight, “this is dishonor to you ad 
knights of the Round Table, to see and know so noble a 
lady and so courteous a queen as Queen Guenever is 
thus to be rebuked and shamed amongst you.” 


3 l6 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


Then they all marvelled what knight that might be that 
so took the battle upon him, for there was not one that 
knew him, but if it were Sir Bors. Then said Sir Mador 
de la Porte unto the king, “ Now let me wit with whom I 
shall have ado withal.” 

And then they rode to the lists’ end, and there they 
couched their spears, and ran together with all their 
mights. And Sir Mador’s spear brake all to pieces, but 
the other’s spear held, and bare Sir Mador’s horse and all 
backward to the earth a great fall. But mightily and sud- 
denly he avoided his horse, and put his shield afore him, 
and then drew his sword, and bade the other knight alight 
and do battle with him on foot. Then that knight de- 
scended from his horse lightly like a valiant man, and put 
his shield afore him, and drew his sword, and so they came 
eagerly unto battle, and either gave other many great 
strokes, tracing and traversing, rasing and foining, and 
hurtling together with their swords, as it were wild boars. 
Thus were they fighting nigh an hour, for this Sir Mador 
was a strong knight, and mightily proved in many strong 
battles. But at last this knight smote Sir Mador grovel- 
ling upon the earth, and the knight stepped near him to 
have pulled Sir Mador flatling upon the ground ; and there- 
with suddenly Sir Mador arose, and in his rising he smote 
that knight through the thick of the thighs, that the blood 
ran out fiercely. And when he felt himself so wounded, and 
saw his blood, he let him arise upon his feet ; and then he 
gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell to the 
earth flatling, and therewith he strode to him for to have 
pulled off his helm off his head. And then Sir Mador 
prayed that knight to save his life, and so he yielded him 
as overcome, and released the queen of his quarrel. 

v I will not grant thee thy life,” said that knight, “ only 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


3i7 


that thou freely release the queen forever, and that no 
mention be made upon Sir Patrice* tomb that ever Queen 
Guenever consented to that treason.” 

“ All this shall be done,” said Sir Mador, “ I clearly 
discharge my quarrel forever.” 

Then the knights parters of the lists \knights who 
parted the combatants ] took up Sir Mador, and led him to 
his tent, and the other knight went straight to the stair foot 
whereas King Arthur sat, and by that time was the queen 
come unto the king, and either kissed other lovingly. 
And when the king saw that knight, he stooped down 
unto him and thanked him, and in likewise did the queen. 
And then the king prayed him to put off his helm and to 
rest him, and to take a sop of wine ; and then he put off 
his helm to drink, and then every knight knew that he 
was the noble knight Sir Launcelot. As soon as the 
king wist that, he took the queen by the hand, and went 
unto Sir Launcelot, and said, “ Gramercy of your great 
travel that ye have had this day for me and for my 
queen.’ * 

“My lord,” said Sir Launcelot, “wit ye well that I 
ought of right ever to be in your quarrel, and in my lady 
the queen’s quarrel, to do battle, for ye are the man that 
gave me the high order of knighthood, and that day my 
lady your queen did me great worship, or else I had been 
shamed. For that same day ye made me knight, through 
my hastiness I lost my sword, and my lady your queen 
found it, and lapped it in her train, and gave me my 
sword when I had need thereof, or else had I been shamed 
among all knights. And therefore, my lord King Arthur, 
I promised her at that day ever to be her knight in right 
or in wrong.” 

“Gramercy,” said King Arthur, “for this journey; and 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


318 

wit you well,” said King Arthur, “ I shall acquit you ot 
[repay you for ] your goodness.” 

And ever the queen beheld Sir Launcelot, and wept so 
tenderly that she sank almost down upon the ground for 
sorrow, that he had done to her so great goodness, whereas 
she had showed him great unkindness. Then the knights 
of his blood drew unto him, and there either of them 
made great joy of other; and so came all the knights of 
the Round Table that were there at that time, and he 
welcomed them. And then Sir Mador was had to leech- 
craft [surgery '] ; and Sir Launcelot was healed of his 
wound. And then was there made great joy and mirth 
in the court. 


CHAPTER VI. 

How the Truth was known by the Damsel of the Lake, and or 

DIVERS OTHER MATTERS. 

A ND so it befell that the damsel of the lake, which 
was called Nimue, the which wedded the good 
knight Sir Pelleas, and so she came to the court, for 
ever she did great goodness unto King Arthur and to 
all his knights, through her sorcery and enchantments. 
And so when she heard how the queen was [endangered] 
for the death of Sir Patrice, then she told it openly that 
sne was never guilty ; and there she disclosed by whom it 
was done, and named him Sir Pinel, and for what cause he 
did it ; there it was openly disclosed, and so the queen 
was excused, and the knight Sir Pinel fled into his country. 
Then was it openly known that Sir Pinel empoisoned the 
apples of the feast, to the intent to have destroyed Sir 


Of the Death of Arthur. 


319 


Gawaine, because Sir Gawaine and his brethren destroyed 
Sir Lamorak de Galis, whom Sir Pinel was cousin unto. 

And then Sir Mador sued daily and long to have the 
queen’s good grace ; and so, by the means of Sir 
Launcelot, he caused him to stand in the queen’s grace, 
and all was forgiven. Thus it passed forth until our 
Lady Day the Assumption ; within fifteen days of that 
feast King [Arthur let cry a great tournament] at Came- 
lot, that is, Winchester, [where] he and the King of Scot 
land would joust against all that would come against them. 
And when this cry was made, thither came many knights. 
So there came thither the King of Northgalis, and King 
Anguish of Ireland, and the king with the hundred 
knights, and Sir Galahalt the haut prince, and the King 
of Northumberland, and many other noble dukes and 
earls of divers countries. So King Arthur made him 
ready to depart to these jousts, and would have had the 
queen with him ; but at that time she would not, she said, 
for she was sick and might not ride at that time. 

“That me repenteth,” said the king, “for this seven 
year ye saw not such a fellowship together, except at 
Whitsuntide when Galahad departed from the court.” 

“Truly,” said the queen to the king, “ye must hold me 
excused : I may not be there, and that me repenteth.” 


320 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


CHAPTER VII. 

How Sir Launcelot rode to Astolat, and received a Sleeve to 

BEAR UPON HIS HELM AT THE REQUEST OF A MAID. 

A ND so upon the morn early Sir Launcelot heard 
mass, and brake his fast, and so took his leave of 
the queen, and departed. And then he rode so much 
until he came to Astolat, that is Gilford ; and there it 
happed him in the eventide he came to an old baron’s 
place, that hight Sir Bernard of Astolat. And as Sir 
Launcelot entered into his lodging, King Arthur espied 
him as he did walk in a garden beside the castle, how he 
took his lodging, and knew him full well. 

“ It is well,” said King Arthur unto the knights that 
were with him in that garden beside the castle, “ I have 
now espied one knight that will play his play at the jousts 
to the which we be gone toward, I undertake he will do 
marvels.” 

“ Who is that, we pray you tell us,” said many knights 
that were there at that time. 

“Ye shall not wit for me,” said the king, “at this 
time.” 

And so the king smiled, and went to his lodging. So 
when Sir Launcelot was in his lodging, and unarmed him 
in his chamber, the old baron came unto him, making his 
reverence, and welcomed him in the best manner ; but 
the old knight knew not Sir Launcelot. 

“Fair sir,” said Sir Launcelot to his host, “I would 
pray you to lend me a shield that were not openly known, 
for mine is well known.” 

“Sir,” said his host, “ye shall have your desire, for me 


321 


Of the Death of Arthur . 

seemeth ye be one of the likeliest knights of the world, 
and therefore I shall show you friendship. Sir, wit ye 
well I have two sons which were but late made knights, 
and the eldest hight Sir Tirre, and he was hurt the same 
day that he was made knight, that he may not ride, 
and his shield ye shall have, for that is not known, I dare 
say, but here, and in no place else. And my youngest son 
hight Sir Lavaine, and if it please you he shall ride 
with you unto those jousts ; and he is of his age strong 
and mighty, for much my heart giveth unto you that ye 
should be a noble knight, therefore I beseech you tell me 
your name,” said Sir Bernard. 

“As for that,” said Sir Launcelot, “ye must hold me 
excused as at this time, and if God give me grace to 
speed well at the jousts, I shall come again and tell you; 
but I pray you heartily,” said Sir Launcelot, “ in any wise 
let me have your son Sir Lavaine with me, and that I may 
have his brother’s shield.” 

“ Also this shall be done,” said Sir Bernard. 

This old baron had a daughter that time that was called 
the fair maid of Astolat, and ever she beheld Sir Launcelot 
wonderfully ; and she cast such a love unto Sir Launcelot 
that she could not withdraw her love, wherefore she died ; 
and her name was Elaine la Blanche. So thus as she 
came to and fro, she besought Sir Launcelot to wear upon 
him at the jousts a token of hers. 

“ Fair damsel,” said Sir Launcelot, “ and if I grant you 
that, ye may say I do more for your love than ever I did 
for lady or damsel.” 

Then he remembered him that he would ride unto the 
jousts disguised, and for because he had never before that 
time borne no manner of token of no damsel, then he 
bethought him that he would bear one of hers, that none 


322 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


of his blood thereby might know him. And then he said, 
“Fair damsel, I will grant you to wear a token of yours 
upon my helmet, and therefore what it is show me.” 

“ Sir/’ said she, “ it is a red sleeve of mine, of scarlet 
well embroidered with great pearls.” 

And so she brought it him. So Sir Launcelot received 
it, and said, “Never or this time did I so much for no 
damsel.” 

And then Sir Launcelot betook [gave] the fair damsel 
his shield in keeping, and prayed her to keep it until he 
came again. And so that night he had merry rest and 
great cheer ; for ever the fair damsel Elaine was about Sir 
Launcelot all the while that she might be suffered. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

Hqw the Tournament began at Winchester, and what Knights 

WERE AT THE JOUSTS, AND OF OTHER MATTERS. 

S O upon a day in the morning, King Arthur and all 
his knights departed, for the king had tarried there 
three days to abide his knights. And so when the king 
was ridden, Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine made them 
ready for to ride, and either of them had white shields, 
and the red sleeve Sir Launcelot let carry with him. 
And so they took their leave of Sir Bernard the old 
baron, and of his daughter the fair maid of Astolat. 
And then they rode so long till that they came to 
Camelot, which now is called Winchester. And there 
was great press of knights, dukes, earls, and barons, and 
many noble knights ; but there was Sir Launcelot privily 
lodged by the means of Sir Lavaine with a rich burgess, 



The Tournament at Camelot. 

























Of the Death of Arthur. 


323 


that no man in that town was ware what they were. And 
so they sojourned there till our Lady Day the Assumption, 
as the great feast should be. So then trumpets began to 
blow unto the field, and King Arthur was set on high 
upon a scaffold to behold who did best. But King 
Arthur would not suffer Sir Gawaine to go from him, 
for never had Sir Gawaine the better if Sir Launcelot 
were in the field. And many times was Sir Gawaine re- 
buked when Sir Launcelot came to any jousts disguised. 
Then some of the kings, as King Anguish of Ireland 
and the King of Scotland, were at that time turned upon 
King Arthur’s side. And then upon the other side was 
the King of Northgalis, and the king with the hundred 
knights, and the King of Northumberland, and Sir Gala- 
halt the haut prince. But these three kings and this 
one duke were passing weak to hold against King Ar- 
thur’s party ; for with him were the noblest knights of 
the world. So then they withdrew them either party from 
other, and every man made him ready in his best manner 
to do what he might. Then Sir Launcelot made him 
ready, and put the red sleeve upon his head, and fastened 
it fast ; and so Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed out 
of Winchester privily, and rode until [unto] a little leaved 
wood, behind the party that held against King Arthur’s 
party, and there they held them still till the parties smote 
together. And then came in the King of Scots and the 
King of Ireland on Arthur’s party; and against them 
came the King of Northumberland; and the king with 
the hundred knights smote down the King of North- 
umberland, and also the king with the hundred knights 
smote down King Anguish of Ireland. Then Sir Pala- 
mides, that was on Arthur’s party, encountered with Sir 
Galahalt, and either of them smote down other, and either 


3 2 4 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


party holp their lords on horseback again. So there began 
a strong assail upon both parties. And then there came 
in Sir Brandiles, Sir Sagramor le Desirous, Sir Dodinas le 
Savage, Sir Kay le Seneschal, Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, 
Sir Mordred, Sir Meliot de Logris, Sir Ozanna le Cure 
Hardy, Sir Safere, Sir Epinogris, and Sir Galleron oi 
Galway. All these fifteen knights were knights of the 
Table Round. So these with more others came in to- 
gether, and beat back the King of Northumberland, and 
the King of North Wales. When Sir Launcelot saw this, 
as he hoved in a little leaved wood, then he said unto Sir 
Lavaine, “ See yonder is a company of good knights, and 
they hold them together as boars that were chafed with 
dogs.” 

“That is truth,” said Sir Lavaine. 


CHAPTER IX. 


How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine entered in the Field 

AGAINST THEM OF KlNG ARTHUR’S COURT, AND HOW LAUNCELOT 
WAS HURT. 



OW,” said Sir Launcelot, “and ye will help me a 


L little, ye shall see yonder fellowship which chaseth 
now these men in our side, that they shall go as fast back- 
ward as they went forward.” 

“Sir, spare not,” said Sir Lavaine, “for I shall do what 
I may.” 

Then Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine came in at the 
thickest of the press, and there Sir Launcelot smote down 
Sir Brandiles, Sir Sagramor, Sir Dodinas, Sir Kay, Sir 
Griflet, and all this he did with one spear. And Sir La- 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


325 


vaine smote down Sir Lucan le Butler, and Sir Bedivere. 
And then Sir Launcelot gat another spear, and there he 
smote down Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, 
and Sir Meliot de Logris. And Sir Lavaine smote down 
Ozanna le Cure Hardy : and then Sir Launcelot drew his 
sword, and there he smote on the right hand and on the 
left hand, and by great force he unhorsed Sir Safere, Sir 
Epinogris, and Sir Galleron. And then the knights of 
the Table Round withdrew them aback, after they had 
gotten their horses as well as they might. 

“ Oh, mercy,” said Sir Gawaine, “ what knight is yonder, 
that doth so marvellous deeds of arms in that field ? ” 

“ I wot what he is,” said King Arthur, “ but as at this 
time I will not name him.” 

“Sir,” said Sir Gawaine, “I would say it were Sir 
Launcelot, by his riding and his buffets that I see him 
deal : but ever me seemeth it should be not he, for that he 
beareth the red sleeve upon his head, for I wist him never 
bear token, at no jousts, of lady nor gentlewoman.” 

“Let him be,” said King Arthur, “he will be better 
known and do more or ever he depart.” 

Then the party that were against King Arthur were 
well comforted, and then they held them together, that 
beforehand were sore rebuked. Then Sir Bors, Sir Ector 
de Maris, and Sir Lionel, called unto them the knights ot 
their blood, as Sir Blamor de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir 
Aliduke, Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Bellangere le 
Beuse, so these nine knights of Sir Launcelot’s kin thrust 
in mightily, for they were all noble knights. And they, 
of great hate and despite that they had unto him, thought 
to rebuke that noble knight Sir Launcelot, and Sir La- 
vaine, for they knew them not. And so they came hurt* 
ling together, and smote down many knights of North 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


$26 

galis and of Northumberland. And when Sir Launcelot 
saw them fare so, he gat a spear in his hand, and there 
encountered with them all at once ; Sir Bors, Sir Ector de 
Maris, and Sir Lionel smote him all at once with their 
spears. 

And with force of themselves they smote Sir Launce- 
lot’s horse unto the ground ; and by misfortune Sir Bors 
smote Sir Launcelot through the shield into the side, and 
the spear brake, and the head abode still in the side. 
When Sir Lavaine saw his master lie upon the ground, he 
ran to the King of Scotland and smote him to the ground, 
and by great force he took his horse and brought him to 
Sir Launcelot, and mauger [in spite of] them all he made 
him to mount upon that horse. And then Sir Launcelot 
gat him a great spear in his hand, and there he smote Sir 
Bors both horse and man to the ground ; and in the same 
wise he served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel ; and Sir Lavaine 
smote down Sir Blamor de Ganis. And then Sir Launce- 
lot began to draw his sword, for he felt himself so sore 
hurt, that he wend there to have had his death ; and then 
he smote Sir Bleoberis such a buffet upon the helm that 
he fell down to the ground in a swoon ; and in the same 
wise he served Sir Aliduke and Sir Galihud. And Sir 
Lavaine smote down Sir Bellangere, that was the son of 
Sir Alisander Lorphelin. And by that time Sir Bors 
was horsed ; and then he came with Sir Ector and Sir 
Lionel, and they three smote with their swords upon Sir 
Launcelot’s helmet ; and when he felt their buffets, and 
his wound that was so grievous, then he thought to do 
what he might whiles he might endure ; and then he gave 
Sir Bors such a buffet that he made him to bow his head 
passing low ; and therewithal he razed off his helm, and 
might have s^in him, and so pulled him down. And in 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


327 


the same manner of wise he served Sir Ector and Sir 
Lionel, for he might have slain them. But when he saw 
their visages his heart might not serve him thereto, but 
left them there lying. And then after he hurled in among 
the thickest press of them all, and did there marvellous 
deeds of arms that ever any man saw or heard speak of. 
And alway the good knight Sir Lavaine was with him ; 
and there Sir Launcelot with his sword smote and pulled 
down moe [more] than thirty knights, and the most part 
were of the Round Table. And Sir Lavaine did full well 
that day, for he smote down ten knights of the Round 
Table. 


CHAPTER X. 

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed out of the Fields 

AND IN WHAT JEOPARDY SlR LAUNCELOT WAS. 

A H mercy, Jesu,” said Sir Gawaine unto King Arthur, 
“ I marvel what knight he is with the red sleeve.” 
“ Sir,” said King Arthur, “ he will be known or he de- 
part.” 

And then the king let blow unto lodging, and the prize 
was given by heralds to the knight with the white shield 
and that bare the red sleeve. Then came the king with 
the hundred knights, the King of Northgalis, and the 
King of Northumberland, and Sir Galahalt the haut 
prince, and said unto Sir Launcelot, “Fair knight, God 
thee bless, for much have ye done this day for us, there- 
fore we pray you that ye will come with us that ye may 
receive the honor and the prize, as ye have worshipfully 
deserved it.” 

“ My fair lords,” said Sir Launcelot, “ wit ye well, if I 


328 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


have deserved thanks, I have sore bought it, for I am like 
never to escape with my life ; therefore I pray you that 
ye will suffer me to depart where me liketh, for I am sore 
hurt ; I had liever \rather] to rest me than to be lord of 
all the world.” And therewith he groaned piteously, and 
rode a great gallop away from them until he came to a 
wood side, and when he saw that he was from the field 
nigh a mile, that he was sure he might not be seen, then 
said he with a high voice, “ O gentle knight Sir Lavaine, 
help me that this truncheon were out of my side, for it 
sticketh so sore that it nigh slayeth me.” 

14 O mine own lord,” said Sir Lavaine, 44 1 would fain do 
that might please you, but I dread me sore, and I draw 
out the truncheon, that ye shall be in peril of death.” 

44 1 charge you,” said Sir Launcelot, 44 as ye love me 
draw it out.” 

And therewithal he descended from his horse, and right 
so did Sir Lavaine, and forthwith Sir Lavaine drew the 
truncheon out of his side. And he gave a great shriek, 
and a marvellous grisly groan, and his blood brast [burst] 
out nigh a pint at once, that at last he sank down, and so 
swooned pale and deadly. 

“Alas,” said Sir Lavaine, 44 what shall I do?” 

And then he turned Sir Launcelot into the wind, but so 
he lay there nigh half an hour as he had been dead. And 
so at the last Sir Launcelot cast up his eyes, and said, 44 O 
Lavaine, help me that I were on my horse, for here is fast 
by within this two mile a gentle hermit, that sometime 
was a full hoble knight and a great lord of possessions ; 
and for great goodness he hath taken him to wilful pov- 
erty, and forsaken many lands, and his name is Sir 
Baldwin of Brittany, and he is a full noble surgeon, and a 
good leech. Now let see, help me up that I were there. 


Of the Death of Arthur . 329 

For ever my heart giveth me that I shall never die of my 
cousin-german’s hands.” 

And then with great pain Sir Lavaine holp him upon 
his horse; and then they rode a great gallop together, 
and ever Sir Launcelot bled that it ran down to the earth. 
And so by fortune they came to that hermitage, which 
was under a wood, and a great cliff on the other side, and 
a fair water running under it. And then Sir Lavaine 
beat on the gate with the butt of his spear, and cried fast, 
“Let in, for Jesu’s sake.” 

And there came a fair child to them, and asked them 
what they would ? 

“Fair son,” said Sir Lavaine, “go and pray thy lord the 
hermit for God’s sake to let in here a knight that is full 
sore wounded, and this day tell thy lord that I saw him do 
more deeds of arms than ever I heard say that any man 
did.” 

So the child went in lightly, and then he brought the 
hermit, the which was a passing good man. So when Sir 
Lavaine saw him, he prayed him for God’s sake of 
succor. 

“ What knight is he ? ” said the hermit, “ is he of the 
house of King Arthur or not ? ” 

“I wot not,” said Sir Lavaine, “what is he, nor what is 
his name, but well I wot I saw him do marvellously this 
day, as of deeds of arms.” 

“ On whose party was he ? ” said the hermit. 

“ Sir,” said Sir Lavaine, “ he was this day against King 
Arthur, and there he won the prize of all the knights of 
the Round Table.” 

“ I have seen the day,” said the hermit, “ I would have 
loved him the worse because he was against my lord King 
Arthur, for sometime I was one of the fellowship of the 


330 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


Round Table, but I thank God now I am otherwise dis 
posed. But where is he ? let me see him.” 

Then Sir Lavaine brought the hermit to him. 


CHAPTER XL 

How Sir Launcelot was brought unto an Hermit for to b* 

HEALED OF HIS WOUND, AND OF OTHER MATTERS. 

A ND when the hermit beheld him as he sat leaning 
upon his saddle-bow, ever bleeding piteously, [then] 
alway the knight hermit thought that he should know 
him, but he could not bring him to knowledge, because he 
was so pale for bleeding. 

“What knight are ye,” said the hermit, “and where 
were ye born ? ” 

“Fair lord,” said Sir Launcelot, “I am a stranger and 
a knight adventurous, that laboreth throughout many 
realms for to win worship.” 

Then the hermit advised him better \looked more 
closely ], and saw by a wound on the cheek that he was 
Sir Launcelot. 

“ Alas ! ” said the hermit, “ mine own lord, why hide ye 
your name from me? forsooth I ought to know you of 
right, for ye are the most noble knight of the world, for 
well I know you for Sir Launcelot.” 

“Sir,” said he, “sith ye know me, help me, and [if] ye 
may, for Christ’s sake, for I would be out of this pain at 
once, either to death or to life.” 

“Have ye no doubt,” said the hermit, “ye shall live and 
fare right well.” 

And so the hermit called to him two of his servants ; 


I 


Of the Death of Arthur. 331 

and so he and his servants bare him into the hermitage, 
and lightly unarmed him, and laid him in his bed. And 
then anon the hermit stanched the blood ; and then he 
made him to drink good wine ; so by that Sir Launcelot 
was right well refreshed, and came to himself again. For 
in those days it was not the guise of hermits as it now is 
in these days, for there were no hermits in those days but 
that they had been men of worship and of prowess, and 
those hermits held great households, and refreshed people 
that were in distress. 

Now turn we unto King Arthur, and leave we Sir 
Launcelot in the hermitage. 

So when the kings were come together on both parties, 
and the great feast should be holden, King Arthur asked 
the King of Northgalis and their fellowship where was that 
knight that bare the red sleeve : “ Bring him before me, 
that he may have his laud and honor and the prize, as it is 
right.” 

Then spake Sir Galahalt the haut prince and the king 
with the hundred knights: “We suppose that knight is 
mischieved, and that he is never like to see you, nor none 
of us all, and that is the greatest pity that ever we wist 
of any knight.” 

“ Alas,” said King Arthur, “ how may this be ? is he so 
hurt ? What is his name ? ” 

“ Truly,” said they all, “we know not his name, nor 
from whence he came, nor whither he would.” 

“ Alas,” said the king, “ these be to me the worst tid 
ings that came to me this seven year : for I would not for 
all the lands I hold, to know and wit it were so that that 
noble knight were slain.” 

" Know ye him ? ” said they all. 

“ As for that,” said King Arthur, “ whether I know him 


332 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


or know him not, ye shall not know for me what man he 
is, but Almighty Jesu send me good tidings of him.” 

And so said they all. 

“By my head,” said Sir Gawaine, “if it be so, that the 
good knight be so sore hurt, it is great damage and pity 
to all this land, for he is one of the noblest knights that 
ever I saw in a field handle a spear or a sword ; and if he 
may be found, I shall find him, for I am sure that he is 
not far from this town.” 

“Bear you well,” said King Arthur, “that ye may find 
him, without that he be in such a plight that he may not 
bestir himself.” 

“Jesu defend,” said Sir Gawaine, “but I shall know 
what he is and if I may find him.” 

Right so Sir Gawaine took a squire with him, and rode 
upon two hackneys all about Camelot within six or seven 
mile ; but as he went so he came again, and could hear 
no word of him. Then within two days King Arthur and 
all the fellowship returned to London again ; and so as 
they rode by the way, it happened Sir Gawaine at Astolat 
to lodge with Sir Bernard, whereas Sir Launcelot was 
lodged. And so as Sir Gawaine was in his chamber for 
to take his rest, Sir Bernard the old baron came to him, 
and also his fair daughter Elaine, for to cheer him, and to 
ask him what tidings he knew, and who did best at the 
tournament at Winchester. 

“ So God help me,” said Sir Gawaine, “ there were two 
knights which bare two white shields, but the one of them 
bare a red sleeve upon his head, and certainly he was one 
of the best knights that ever I saw joust in field ; for I 
dare make it good,” said Sir Gawaine, “that one knight 
with the red sleeve smote down forty valiant knights of 
the Round Table, and his fellow did right well and right 
worshipfully.” 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


333 


“Now blessed be God,” said the fair maid of Astolat, 
“ that the good knight sped so well, for he is the man in 
the world the which I first loved, and truly he shall be the 
last man that ever after I shall love.” 

“ Now, fair maid,” said Sir Gawaine, “is that good 
knight your love ? ” 

“ Certainly,” said she ; “ wit ye well he is my love.” 

“ Then know ye his name ? ” said Sir Gawaine. 

“ Nay, truly,” said the maid, “ I know not his name, nor 
from whence he came; but to say that I love him, I 
promise God and you that I love him.” 

“ How had ye knowledge of him first ? ” said Sir 
Gawaine. 


CHAPTER XII. 


How Sir Gawaine had Knowledge that it was Sir Launcelot 


THAT BARE THE RED SLEEVE. 


HEN she told him as ye have heard before, and how 



X her father betook [; intrusted ] him her brother to do 
him service, and how her father lent him her brother Sir 
Tirre’s shield, “and here with me he left his own shield.” 

“ For what cause did he so ? ” said Sir Gawaine. 

“For this cause,” said the damsel, “for his shield was 
too well known among many noble knights.” 

“ Ah, fair damsel,” said Sir Gawaine, “ please it you let 
me have a sight of that shield.” 

“ Sir,” said she, “ it is in my chamber covered with a 
case, and if it will please you to come in with me ye shall 
see it.” 

“Not so,” said Sir Bernard unto his daughter; “let 
send for it.” 


334 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


So when the shield was come, Sir Gawaine took off the 
case, and when he beheld that shield he knew anon that 
it was Sir Launcelot’s shield, and his own arms. 

“ Ah Jesu, mercy ! ” said Sir Gawaine, “ now is my heart 
more heavier then ever it was before.” 

“Why?” said the damsel Elaine. 

“For I have a great cause,” said Sir Gawaine ; “is that 
knight that oweth that shield your love ? ” 

“Yea, truly,” said she, “my love he is, God would that 
I were his love.” 

“So God me speed,” said Sir Gawaine, “fair damsel, ye 
love the most honorable knight of the world, and the man 
of most worship.” 

“ So me thought ever,” said the damsel, “ for never or 
that time for no knight that ever I saw loved I never none 
erst.” 

“God grant,” said Sir Gawaine, “that either of you 
may rejoice other, but that is in a great adventure ; but 
truly,” said Sir Gawaine unto the damsel, “ye may say ye 
have a fair grace, for why I have known that noble knight 
this fourteen years, and never or that day I or none other 
knight, I dare make it good, saw nor heard that ever he 
bare token or sign of no lady, gentlewoman, nor maid, at 
no jousts nor tournament ; and therefore, fair maid,” said 
Sir Gawaine, “ ye are much beholden to give him thanks ; 
but I dread me,” said Sir Gawaine, “ye shall never see 
him in this world, and that is great pity as ever was of 
earthly knight.” 

“ Alas ! ” said she, “ how may this be ? is he slain ? ” 

“ I say not so,” said Sir Gawaine, “ but wit ye well that 
he is grievously wounded by all manner of signs, and by 
men’s sight more likelier to be dead than to be alive, and 
wit ye well he is the noble knight Sir Launcelot, for by 
his shield I know him.” 


335 


Of the Death 9/ Arthur. 

“ Alas ! ” said the fair maid Elaine, “ how may it be ? 
what was his hurt ? ” 

" Truly,” said Sir Gawaine, “ the man in the world that 
loveth him best hurt him so ; and I dare say, and that 
knight that hurt him knew the very certainty that he had 
hurt Sir Launcelot, it would be the most sorrow that ever 
came to his heart.” 

“Now, fair father,” said then Elaine, “I require you 
give me leave to ride and to seek him, or else I wot well 
I shall go out of my mind, for I shall never stint [stop] 
till that I find him and my brother Sir Lavaine.” 

“Do as it liketh you,” said her father, “for me right 
sore repenteth of the hurt of that noble knight.” 

So the king and all came to London, and there Sir 
Gawaine openly disclosed to all the court that it was Sir 
Launcelot that jousted best. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

How Fair Elaine and Sir Bors found Sir Launcelot. 

S O as the fair maid Elaine came to Winchester, she 
sought there all about, and by fortune Sir Lavaine 
was ridden to play him and to enchafe his horse. And 
anon, as fair Elaine saw him, she knew him, and then she 
cried aloud unto him ; and when he heard her, anon he 
came unto her. And then she asked her brother, “ How 
fareth my lord Sir Launcelot ? ” 

“Who told you, sister, that my lord’s name was Sir 
Launcelot ? ” 

Then she told him how Sir Gawaine by his shield knew 
him. So they rode together till they came unto the her 


336 


The Boy's King Arthur 


mitage, and anon she alighted ; so Sir Lavaine brought 
her unto Sir Launcelot. And when she saw him lie so 
sick and pale in his bed, she might not speak, but suddenly 
she fell unto the ground in a swoon, and there she lay a 
great while. And when she was relieved, she sighed and 
said, “ My lord Sir Launcelot, alas ! why go ye in this 
plight ? ” and then she swooned again. And then Sir 
Launcelot prayed Sir Lavaine to take her up and to 
bring her to him. And when she came to herself, Sir 
Launcelot kissed her, and said, “ Fair maiden, why fare ye 
thus ? Ye put me to pain ; wherefore make ye no more 
such cheer for, and ye be come to comfort me, ye be 
right welcome, and of this little hurt that I have, I shall 
be right hastily whole, by the grace of God. But I 
marvel,” said Sir Launcelot, “who told you my name.” 

Then the fair maiden told him all how Sir Gawaine was 
lodged with her father. “ And there by your shield he 
discovered your name.” 

“ Alas,” said Sir Launcelot, “ that me repenteth, that 
my name is known, for I am sure it will turn unto 
anger.” 

So this maiden, Elaine, never went from Sir Launcelot, 
but watched him day and night and did such attendance 
to him that there was never woman did more kindlier for 
man than she did. Then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir La- 
vaine to make espies in Winchester for Sir Bors if he 
came there, and told him by what token he should know 
him by a wound in his forehead. 

“ For well I am sure,” said Sir Launcelot, “ that Sir Bors 
will seek me, for he is the good knight that hurt me.” 

Now turn we unto Sir Bors de Ganis, that came to 
Winchester to seek after his cousin Sir Launcelot. And 
so when he came to Winchester, anon there were men that 


337 


Of the Death of Arthur. 

Sir Lavaine had made to lie in watch for such a man, and 
anon Sir Lavaine had warning thereof. And then Sii 
Lavaine came to Winchester and found Sir Bors. And 
so they departed, and came unto the hermitage where Sir 
Launcelot was ; and when Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot lie 
in his bed all pale and discolored, anon Sir Bors lost his 
countenance, and for kindness and for pity he might not 
speak, but wept full tenderly a great while. And then 
when he might speak, he said unto him thus, “ Alas ! that 
ever such a caitiff knight as I am should have power by 
unhappiness to hurt the most noblest knight of the world. 
Where I so shamefully set upon you and overcharged you, 
and where ye might have slain me, ye saved me, and so 
did not I : for I, and your blood, did to you our uttermost 
I marvel that my heart or my blood would serve me, where- 
fore, my lord Sir Launcelot, I ask your mercy.” 

“Fair cousin,” said Sir Launcelot, “I would with pride 
have overcome you all, and there in my pride I was near 
slain, and that was in mine own default, for I might have 
given you warning of my being there. Therefore, fair 
cousin,” said Sir Launcelot, “let this speech overpass, 
and all shall be welcome that God sendeth ; and let us 
leave off this matter, and let us speak of some rejoicing; 
for this that is done may not be undone, and let us find a 
remedy how soon that I may be whole.” 

And so upon a day they took their horses and took 
Elaine la Blanche with them ; and when they came to 
Astolat, there they were well lodged and had great cheer 
of Sir Bernard the old baron and of Sir Tirre his son. 
And so on the morrow, when Sir Launcelot should de- 
part, fair Elaine brought her father with her and her two 
brethren Sir Tirre and Sir Lavaine, and thus she said : 


338 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


CHAPTER XIV. 


Of the Great Lamentation that the Fair Maid of Astolat made 
when Sir Launcelot should depart, and how she died for his 
Love. 


Y lord Sir Launcelot, now I see that ye will depart ; 



IV A fair and courteous knight, have mercy upon me, 
and suffer me not to die for your love.” 

“ What would ye that I did ? ” said Sir Launcelot. 

“ I would have you unto my husband,” said the maid 
Elaine. 

“ Fair damsel, I thank you,” said Sir Launcelot ; “but 
certainly,” said he, “ I cast me never to be married.” 

“ Alas ! ” said she, “ then must I needs die for your 


love.” 


“Ye shall not,” said Sir Launcelot, “for wit ye well, 
fair damsel, that I might have been married and I had 
would, but I never applied me to be married ; but because, 
fair damsel, that ye will love me as ye say ye do, I will, for 
your good love and kindness, show you some goodness, 
and that is this : that wheresoever ye will set your heart 
upon some good knight that will wed you, I shall give you 
together a thousand pound yearly to you and to your 
heirs ; thus much will I give you, fair maid, for your 
kindness, and alway while I live to be your own knight.” 

“ Of all this,” said the damsel, “ I will none, for, but if 
you will wed me, wit you well, Sir Launcelot, my good 
days are done.” 

“Fair damsel,” said Sir Launcelot, “of [this] ye must 
pardon me.” 

Then she shrieked shrilly, and fell down in a swoon ; 


Of the Death of Arthur 


339 


and then women bare her into her chamber, and there she 
made overmuch sorrow. And then Sir Launcelot would 
depart ; and there he asked Sir Lavaine what he would 
do. 

‘‘What should I do,” said Sir Lavaine, “but follow you, 
but if ye drive me from you, or command me to go from 
you ? ” 

Then came Sir Bernard to Sir Launcelot, and said to 
him, “ I cannot see but that my daughter Elaine will die 
for your sake.” 

“ I may not do withal,” said Sir Launcelot, “ for that 
me sore repenteth ; for I report me to yourself that my 
proffer is fair, and me repenteth,” said Sir Launcelot, 
“ that she loveth me as she doth : I was never the causer 
of it, for I report me to your son, I early nor late proffered 
her bounty nor fair behests ; and I am right heavy of her 
distress, for she is a full fair maiden, good, and gentle, and 
well taught.” 

“ Father,” said Sir Lavaine, “she doth as I do, for since 
I first saw my lord Sir Launcelot I could never depart 
from him, nor nought I will and I may follow him.” 

Then Sir Launcelot took his leave, and so they departed, 
and came unto Winchester. And when King Arthur wist 
that Sir Launcelot was come, whole and sound, the king 
made great joy of him, and so did Sir Gawaine, and all 
the knights of the Round Table except Sir Agravaine and 
Sir Mordred. 

Now speak we of the fair maiden of Astolat, that made 
such sorrow day and night, that she never slept, eat, nor 
drank ; and ever she made her complaint unto Sir Launce- 
lot. So when she had thus endured a ten days, that she 
feebled so that she must needs pass out of this world, then 
she shrived her clean, and received her Creator [ took the 


340 


The Boy's King Arthur. 

Holy Communion ]. Then her ghostly father bade her 
leave such thoughts. Then she said, “Why should I 
leave such thoughts? am I not an earthly woman? and 
all the while the breath is in my body I may complain 
me, for my belief is I do none offence though I love an 
earthly man, and I take God to my record I never loved 
none but Sir Launcelot du Lake, nor never shall. For 
our sweet Saviour Jesu Christ,” said the maiden, “I take 
thee to record I was never greater offender against thy 
laws but that I loved this noble knight Sir Launcelot out 
of all measure, and of myself, good Lord, I might not 
withstand the fervent love wherefore I have my death.” 

And then she called her father Sir Bernard, and hei 
brother Sir Tirre, and heartily she prayed her father that 
her brother might write a letter like as she would indite 
it. And so her father granted her. And when the letter 
was written word by word like as she had devised, then 
she prayed her father that she might be watched until she 
were dead, “ And while my body is whole, let this letter 
be put into my right hand, am my hand bounti fast with 
the letter until that I be cold, and let me be put in a fair 
bed with all the richest clothes that I have about me, and 
so let my bed and all my rich clothes be laid with me in a 
chariot to the next place whereas the Thames is, and there 
let me be put in a barge, and but one man with me, such 
as ye trust, to steer me thither, and that my barge be 
covered with black samite over and over. Thus, father, I 
beseech you let me be done.” 

So her father granted her faithfully that all this thing 
should be done like as she had devised. Then her father 
and her brother made great dole, for, when this was done, 
anon she died. And so when she was dead, the corpse and 
the bed and all was led the next way unto the Thames, 


Of the Death of Arthur. 


34i 


and there a man and the corpse and all were put in a barge 
on the Thames, and so the man steered the barge to 
Westminster, and there he rowed a great while to and fro 
or any man espied it. 


CHAPTER XV. 

How the Corpse of the Fair Maid of Astolat arrived before 
King Arthur, and of the Burying, and how Sir Launcelot 

OFFERED THE MASS-PENNY. 

S O by fortune King Arthur and Queen Guenever were 
speaking together at a window ; and so as they looked 
into the Thames, they espied the black barge, and had 
marvel what it might mean. 

Then the king called Sir Kay, and showed him it. 

“Sir,” said Sir Kay, “wit ye well that there is some 
new tidings.” 

“Go ye thither,” said the king unto Sir Kay, “and take 
with you Sir Brandiles and Sir Agravaine, and bring me 
ready word what is there.” 

Then these three knights departed, and came to the 
barge, and went in ; and there they found the fairest 
corpse lying in a rich bed that ever they saw, and a poor 
man sitting in the end of the barge, and no word would 
he speak. So these three knights returned unto the king 
again, and told him what they had found. 

“ That fair corpse will I see,” said King Arthur. 

And then the king took the queen by the hand and 
went thither. Then the king made the barge to be holden 
fast ; and then the king and the queen went in, with cer- 
tain knights with them, and there they saw a fair gentle- 


342 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


woman lying in a rich bed, covered unto her middle with 
many rich clothes, and all was of cloth of gold ; and she 
lay as though she had smiled. Then the queen espied 
the letter in the right hand, and told the king thereof. 
Then the king took it in his hand, and said, “ Now I am 
sure this letter will tell what she was, and why she is come 
hither.” 

Then the king and the queen went out of the barge ; 
and the king commanded certain men to wait upon the 
barge ; and so when the king was come within his cham- 
ber, he called many knights about him, and said that he 
would wit openly what was written within that letter. 
Then the king brake it, and made a clerk to read it ; and 
this was the intent of the letter : “ Most noble knight, 
Sir Launcelot, now hath death made us two at debate for 
your love ; I was your lover, that men called the fair maid 
of Astolat ; therefore unto all ladies I make my moan ; 
yet pray for my soul, and bury me at the least, and offer 
ye my mass-penny. This is my last request. Pray for 
my soul, Sir Launcelot, as thou art a knight peerless.” 

This was all the substance in the letter. And when it 
was read, the king, the queen, and all the knights wept 
for pity of the doleful complaints. Then was Sir Launce- 
lot sent for. And when he was come, King Arthur made 
the letter to be read to him; and when Sir Launcelot 
heard it word by word, he said, “ My lord Arthur, wit ye 
well I am right heavy of the death of this fair damsel. 
God knoweth I was never causer of her death by my will- 
ing, and that will I report me to her own brother ; here he 
is, Sir Lavaine. I will not say nay, but that she was both 
fair and good, and much I was beholden unto her, but she 
loved me out of measure.” 

"Ye might have showed her,” said the queen, "some 


Of the Death of Arthur . 343 

bounty and gentleness, that might have preserved her 
life.” 

“ Madam,” said Sir Launcelot, “ she would none other 
way be answered, but that she would be my wife, and of 
[this] I would not grant her ; but I proffered her, for her 
good love that she showed me, a thousand pound yearly to 
her and to her heirs, and to wed any manner knight that 
she could find best to love in her heart. For, madam,” 
said Sir Launcelot, “ I love not to be constrained to love ; 
for love must arise of the heart, and not by no constraint.” 

“ That is truth,” said the king, and many knights : “ love 
is free in himself, and never will be bounden ; for where 
he is bounden he looseth himself.” 

Then said the king unto Sir Launcelot, “ It will be your 
worship that ye oversee that she be buried worshipfully.” 

“ Sir,” said Sir Launcelot, “ that shall be done as I can 
best devise.” 

And so many knights went thither to behold the fair 
dead maid. And on the morrow she was richly buried ; 
and Sir Launcelot offered her mass-penny, and all the 
knights of the Round Table that were there at that time 
offered with Sir Launcelot. And then when all was done, 
the poor man went again with the barge. 


CHAPTER XVI. 

How Queen Guenever rode on Maying with Certain Knights of 
the Round Table clothed all in Green. 

N OW it befell in the month of lusty May that Queen 
Guenever called unto her knights of the Round 
Table, and she gave them warning, that early in the morn- 


344 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


ing she should ride on maying 1 into woods and fields 
beside Westminster, “ and I warn you that there be none 
of you but that he be well horsed, and that ye all be 
clothed in green, either in silk or in cloth ; and I shall 
bring with me ten ladies, and every knight shall have a 
lady behind him, and every knight shall have a squire and 
two yeomen.” So they made them ready in the freshest 
manner, and these were the names of the knights : Sir 
Kay the seneschal, Sir Agravaine, Sir Brandiles, Sir Sag- 
ramor le Desirous, Sir Dodinas le Savage, Sir Ozanna le 
Cure Hardy, Sir Ladinas of the Forest Savage, Sir Per- 
sant of Inde, Sir Ironside that was called the knight of 
the red lawns, and Sir Pelleas the lover, and these ten 
knights made them ready in the freshest manner to ride 
with the queen. And so upon the morn they took their 
horses, with the queen, and rode on maying in woods and 
meadows, as it pleased them, in great joy and delights : 
for the queen had cast to have been again with King 
Arthur at the furthest by ten of the clock, and so was 
that time her purpose. Then there was a knight, that 
hight Meliagrance, and he was son unto King Bagdema- 
gus, and this knight had at that time a castle, of the gift 
of King Arthur, within seven mile of Westminster ; and 
this knight Sir Meliagrance loved passing well Queen 
Guenever, and so had he done long and many years. 
And he had lain in a wait for to steal away the queen, 
but evermore he forbare for because of Sir Launcelot, for 
in no wise he would meddle with the queen, and Sir 
Launcelot were in her company, or else and he were near 
hand her. And that time was such a custom the queen 
rode never without a great fellowship of men of arms about 

• “ On maying : ” a-maying. Compare “ on live,” old form for alive; •'* on 
hunting,” old form for a-hunting; and the like. 


345 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


her ; and they were many good knights, and the most part 
were young men that would have worship, and they were 
called the queen’s knights, and never in no battle, tourna- 
ment, nor jousts, they bare none of them no manner of 
knowledging of their own arms, but plain white shields, 
and thereby they were called the queen’s knights. And 
then when it happed any of them to be of great worship 
by his noble deeds, then at the next feast of Pentecost, if 
there were any slain or dead, as there was no year that 
there failed but some were dead, then was there chosen in 
his stead that was dead the most men of worship that 
were called the queen’s knights. And thus they came up 
all first, or they were renowned men of worship, both Sir 
Launcelot and all the remnant of them. But this knight, 
Sir Meliagrance, had espied the queen well and her pur- 
pose, and how Sir Launcelot was not with her, and how 
she had no men of arms with her but the ten noble 
knights all arrayed in green for maying. Then he pro- 
vided him a twenty men of arms and an hundred archers, 
for to destroy the queen and her knights, for he thought 
that time was the best season to take the queen. 


CHAPTER XVII. 

How Sir Meliagrance took the Queen and all her Knights, 

WHICH WERE SORE HURT IN FIGHTING. 

S O as the queen had mayed and all her knights all were 
bedashed with herbs, mosses, and flowers, in the best 
manner and freshest, right so came out of a wood Sir 
Meliagrance with an eightscore men well harnessed, as 
they should fight in battle of arrest, and bade the queen 


346 The Boy's King Arthur . 

and her knights abide, for maugre their heads they should 
abide. 

“ Traitor knight,” said Queen Guenever, “what castest 
thou for to do ? Wilt thou shame thyself ? Bethink thee 
how thou art a king’s son, and knight of the Table Round, 
and thou to be about to dishonor the noble king that made 
thee knight: thou shamest all knighthood and thyself; 
and me, I let thee wit, shalt thou never shame, for I had 
liever cut my throat in twain.” 

“ As for all this language,” said Sir Meliagrance, “ be it 
as it may, for wit you well, madam, I have loved you many 
a year, and never or now could I get you at such an ad- 
vantage as I do now, and therefore I will take you as I 
find you.” 

Then the ten knights of the Round Table drew their 
swords, and the other let run at them with their spears ; 
and the ten knights manly abode them, and smote away 
their spears, that no spear did them harm. Then they 
lashed together with their swords ; and anon Sir Kay, 
Sir Griflet, Sir Agravaine, Sir Dodinas, and Sir Ozanna 
were smitten to the earth with grimly wounds. Then Sir 
Brandiles and Sir Persant, Sir Ironside and Sir Pelleas, 
fought long, and they were full sore wounded, for these 
knights or ever they were laid to the ground slew forty 
men of the best of them. So when the queen saw her 
knights thus dolefully wounded, and needs must be slain 
at the last, then for pity and sorrow she cried and said, 
“ Sir Meliagrance, slay not my knights, and I will go with 
thee upon this covenant, that thou save them, and suffer 
them to be no more hurt ; with this, that they be led with 
me wheresoever thou leadest me, for I will rather slay 
myself than I will go with thee, unless that these my 
noble knights may be in presence.” 


347 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


“ Madam,” said Sir Meliagrance, “for your sake they 
shall be led with you into my castle, with that ye will be 
ruled and ride with me.” 

Then Queen Guenever prayed the four knights to leave 
their fight, and she and they would not depart. 

“Madam,” said Sir Pelleas, “we will do as ye do, for as 
for me, I take no force [account] of my life nor death.” 

For Sir Pelleas gave such buffets there that no armoi 
might hold them. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 


How Sir Launcelot rode in a Cart and rescued the Queen. 



OW the queen privily sent a page to Sir Launcelot 


LI >1 and told him how she was foully beset. And there- 
upon Sir Launcelot, sending word to Sir Lavaine to follow, 
made his horse to swim over Thames to Lambeth, and 
rode as fast as ever he could. And within a while thirty 
of Sir Meliagrance’s archers, whom Sir Meliagrance had 
placed in a bushment (for he knew that the queen had 
sent a page to Sir Launcelot), barred Sir Launcelot, and 
shot his horse with many arrows. Now Sir Launcelot 
could not come to the archers, by reason of many ditches 
and hedges betwixt him and them.] 

And then by fortune there came by a cart, the which 
came thither for to fetch wood. 

“Tell me, carter,” said Sir Launcelot, “what I shall 
give thee for to suffer me to leap into the cart, and that 
thou bring me unto a castle within these two miles.” 

“ Thou shalt not come within my cart,” said the carter, 
“for I am sent for to fetch wood for my lord Sir Meli 
agrance.” 


34 ^ 


The Boy s King Arthur . 


“With him would I fain speak,” said Sir Launcelot. 

“Thou shalt not go with me,” said the carter. 

Then Sir Launcelot leaped to him, and gave him such a 
buffet that he fell to the ground stark dead. Then the 
other carter, his fellow, was afeared. 

« Leap up into the cart,” said the carter, “ and ye shall 
be there anon.” 

So the carter drove forth as fast as he could ; and Sir 
Launcelot’s horse followed the cart with more than forty 
arrows broad and rough in him. And more than an hour 
and a half Queen Guenever was in a bay wrindow waiting 
with her ladies, and espied an armed knight standing in a 
cart. 

“See, madam,” said a lady, “whereas rideth in a cart 
a goodly armed knight, I suppose that he rideth to hang- 
ing.” 

“ Where ? ” said the queen. 

And then the queen espied by his shield that he was 
there himself Sir Launcelot du Lake ; and by this was 
Sir Launcelot come to the gates of that castle, and there 
he descended down, and cried, that all the castle rang of 
it, “Where art thou, false traitor Sir Meliagrance, and 
knight of the Table Round ? Now come forth here, thou 
traitor knight, thou and thy fellowship with thee : for here 
I am, Sir Launcelot du Lake, that shall fight with you.” 

And therewithal he bare the gate wide open upon the 
porter, and smote him under his ear with his gauntlet that 
his neck brast in sunder. 

When Sir Meliagrance heard that Sir Launcelot was 
there, he ran unto Queen Guenever, and fell upon his 
knee, and said, “ Mercy, madam, now I put me wholly into 
your grace.” 

“ What ailetk you now ? ” said Queen Guenever. “ For 


Of the Death of Arthur. 


349 


sooth I might well wit some good knight would revenge 
me, though my lord Arthur wist not of this your work.” 

“ Madam,” said Sir Meliagrance, “ all this that is amiss 
on my part shall be amended right as yourself will devise, 
and wholly I put me in your grace.” 

“What would ye that I did?” said the queen. 

“No more,” said Sir Meliagrance, “but that ye rule my 
lord Sir Launcelot. And my body and all that I have T 
put in your rule.” 

“ Ye say well,” said the queen; “and better is peace 
than always war.” 

[Then Sir Meliagrance yielded him ; and the queen, by 
great entreaty, procured that Sir Launcelot spared his 


life. 


But still was Sir Meliagrance upon treachery.] 


CHAPTER XIX. 


How Sir Launcelot was taken in a Trap by Treachery of Sir 


Meliagrance. 


ND then while they abode in that castle Sir Melia- 



grance appealed the queen of treason, and Sir 
Launcelot offered himself to do battle with Sir Melia- 
grance in the queen’s right. Then Sir Meliagrance laid a 
plot whereby he weened Sir Launcelot would not be able 
to come against him on the day set for the battle betwixt 
them two. And this was the plot Sir Meliagrance laid 
Upon a certain night he] said unto Sir Launcelot, 
“ Pleaseth it you to see the features of this castle ? ” 

“ With a good will,” said Sir Launcelot. 

And then they went together from chamber to chamber, 


350 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


for Sir Launcelot dreaded no perils. For ever a man of 
worship and of prowess dreadeth alway perils least, for 
they ween that every man is as they be. And as he went 
with Sir Meliagrance, he trod on a trap, and the board 
rolled, and therewith Sir Launcelot fell down more than 
ten fathoms into a cave upon straw. And then Sir Melia- 
grance departed, and made semblant as though he had not 
wist where he was. And when Sir Launcelot was thus 
missed, they marvelled where he was become. And the 
knights told unto King Arthur how Sir Meliagrance had 
appealed the queen of high treason, and how Sir Launce- 
lot had received the glove of him, “and this day eight 
days they shall do battle together afore you.” 

“By my head,” said King Arthur, “I am afraid that 
Sir Meliagrance hath taken upon him a great charge. 
But where is Sir Launcelot ? ” said the king. 

“ Sir,” said they all, “ we wit not where he is, but we 
deem he is ridden to some adventures, as he is oftentimes 
wont to do, for he hath Sir Lavaine’s horse.” 

“Let him be,” said the king, “he will be found, but if 
he be trapped with some treason.” 


CHAPTER XX. 


How Sir Launcelot fought Sir Meliagrance with one Hand tied 

BEHIND, AND WITH HIS HEAD AND SIDE BARE OF ARMOR. 

rnPHEN as Sir Launcelot lay in that cave in great 
L A pain of body and sore anxiety of mind, the damsel 
who had been accustomed to bring him food took pity on 
him. So on the day he was to have done battle with Sir 
Meliagrance, she brought him forth, helped him to arm, 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


35i 


and showed him where were twelve good coursers in a 
stable. Then Sir Launcelot chose a white courser and 
galloped forth, and came to the lists right as Sir Lavaine 
had dressed him to do battle in Sir Launcelot's place. 
Then Sir Launcelot drove at Sir Meliagrance, and it was 
but a little ere he had felled him to the earth and had him 
at will, to slay or spare. Then Sir Meliagrance cried for 
mercy ; but Sir Launcelot was all in wrath for the often 
treachery of Sir Meliagrance, and so that he might tempt 
Sir Meliagrance to perform that battle further Sir Launce- 
lot made offer: “I shall unarm my head and the left 
quarter of my body, and I shall let bind my left hand 
behind me so that it shall not help me, and right so I shall 
do battle with you.” 

And thereat was Sir Meliagrance pleased, for he 
thought to kill Sir Launcelot without fail at that disad- 
vantage. So Sir Launcelot’s hand was tied, and his head 
and side were unarmed, as he had proffered.] 

Then Sir Meliagrance came with his sword all on high, 
and Sir Launcelot showed him openly his bare head and 
the bare left side ; and when he wend to have smitten 
him upon the head, then lightly he avoided the left leg 
and the left side, and put his right hand and his sword to 
that stroke, and so put it one side with great sleight, and 
then with great force Sir Launcelot smote him on the 
helmet such a buffet that the stroke carved the head in 
two parts. Then there was no more to do but he was 
drawn out of the field ; and at the requests of the knights 
of the Round Table the king suffered him to be buried, 
and the mention made upon him, and for what cause he 
was slain. And then the king and the queen made much 
of Sir Launcelot, and more was he cherished than ever he 
was before. 


352 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


CHAPTER XXI. 1 


How Sir Urrk came onto King Arthur’s Court for to be healed 
of his Wounds, [and how King Arthur and many Knights 

HANDLED HIM TILL THAT SlR LAUNCELOT MADE HIM WHOLE.] 


HERE was a good knight in the land of Hungary 



1 whose name was Sir Urre, and he was an adventur- 
ous knight. So it happened at a great tournament in 
Spain this Sir Urre slew Sir Alphegus. But this knight 
that was slain had given Sir Urre seven great wounds, 
three on the head and four on his left side. 

And this Sir Alphegus had a mother, the which was a 
great sorceress, and she, for the despite of her son’s death, 
wrought by her subtle crafts that Sir Urre should never be 
whole, but ever his wounds should one time fester and 
another time bleed, until the best knight of the world 
had searched his wounds, and thus she made her avaunt, 
wherethrough it was known that Sir Urre should never be 
whole. 

Then Sir Urre’s mother let make an horse-litter, and 
put him therein under two palfreys ; and then she took 
Sir Urre’s sister with him, which was a full fair damsel, 
whose name was Feloly, and then she took a page with 
her to keep their horses. And so they led Sir Urre 
through many countries ; for she led him so seven years 
through all lands Christian, and never she could find no 
knight that might ease her son. So at the last she 
came into Scotland and into the bounds of England, 

1 1 have retained this account of the searching of Sir Urre’s wounds, 
because it brings forward the names of all the knights of the Round Tabic 
together, and is thus like the appearance of all the characters on the stage at 
the close of the play. 


353 


Of the Death of Arthur. 

and at the feast of Pentecost at King Arthur’s court 
that at that time was holden at Carlisle. 

Then King Arthur let call the lady, and asked her the 
cause why she had brought that hurt knight into that 
country. 

“ My most noble lord King Arthur,” said that lady, 
“ wit ye well I brought him hither for to be healed of his 
wounds, the which of all these seven years might not be 
healed. And so I have passed through all the lands Chris- 
tian for to have him healed, except this land, and if that T 
fail to heal him here in this country, I will never take 
more pain upon me ; and that is pity, for he was a full 
go-jd knight, and of great nobleness.” 

“ What is his name ? ” said King Arthur. 

“My good and gracious lord,” said she, “his name is 
Sir Urre of the Mount.” 

“In good time,” said King Arthur, “and sith ye are 
come hither into this country, ye are welcome.” 

And then the king commanded all the kings, dukes, and 
earls, and all noble knights of the Round Table that were 
there that time present, to come into the meadow of Car- 
lisle. And so at that time there were but an hundred and 
ten of the Round Table, for forty knights were that time 
away. And so here we must begin at King Arthur, 
as is kindly to begin at him that was the most man of 
worship that was christened at that time. 

Then King Arthur looked upon Sir Urre, and the king 
thought he was a full likely man when he was whole. 
And King Arthur made him to be taken down off the 
litter, and laid him upon the earth, and there was laid 
a cushion of gold that he should kneel upon. And then 
Arthur said, “Noble fair knight, me repenteth of thy 
hurt, and for to courage all other noble knights I will 
pray thee softly to suffer me to handle your wounds.” 


354 


The Boy's King Arthur . 

“Most noble christened king,” said Urre, “do as ye 
list, for I am at the mercy of God, and at your com- 
mand.” 

So then King Arthur softly handled him, and then some 
of his wounds renewed on bleeding. Then, after King 
Arthur, King Clarence of Northumberland searched, and 
[it would not be healed] ; and then the king with the 
hundred knights, he assayed and failed ; and so did 
King Uriens of the land of Gore ; so did King Anguish 
of Ireland ; so did King Nentres of Garloth ; so did King 
Carados of Scotland ; so did the Duke Galahalt the haut 
prince ; so did Constantine, that was King Carados’s son 
of Cornwall ; so did Duke Chalaunce of Clarence ; so did 
the Earl Ulbause ; so did the Earl Lambaile ; so did the 
Earl Aristause. Then came in Sir Gawaine with his three 
sons, Sir Gingaine, Sir Florence, and Sir Lovell ; and Sir 
Gawaine and his sons failed. Then came in Sir Agravaine, 
Sir Gaheris, Sir Mordred, and the good knight Sir Gareth, 
which was of very knighthood worth all the brethren ; so 
there came knights of Sir Launcelot’s kin, but Sir Launce- 
lot was not that time in the court, for he was that time on 
his adventures. Then Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir 
Bors de Ganis, Sir Blamor de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, 
Sir Gahalantin, Sir Galihodin, Sir Manadiuke, Sir Villiars 
le Valiaunt, Sir Hebes le Renowme, all these knights 
were of Sir Launcelot’s kin, and they failed every each 
one. Then came in Sir Sagramor le Desirous, Sir 
Dodinas le Savage, Sir Dinadan, Sir Brewnor le Noire, 
vhich Sir Kay called La Cote Mai Taile, and Sir Kay 
the seneschal, Sir Kay de Straungis, Sir Meliot de Logris, 
and Sir Petipace of Winchelsea, Sir Galleron of Galway, 
Sir Melion of the Mountain, Sir Cardoc, Sir Uwaine les 
Avoutres, and Sir Ozanna le Cure Hardy. Then there 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


355 


came in Sir Astamore, and Sir Gromore, Sir Grummor’s 
son, Sir Crosselme, Sir Servause le Breuse, which was at 
that time called one of the strongest knights of the 
world, for the chief lady of the lake feasted this Sir 
Servause le Breuse and Sir Launcelot du Lake. That 
Sir Servause had never no lust nor courage to do battle 
against man, but if it were against giants, and against 
dragons and such other wild beasts. Then there came 
in Sir Aglovale, Sir Durnore, and Sir Tor [brothers to 
Sir Lamorak]. Then came Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, 
Sir Lucan the Butler, Sir Bedivere his brother, Sir 
Brandiles, Sir Constantine, Sir Cador’s son of Cornwall, 
that was king after Arthur’s days, and Sir Clegis, Sir 
Sadoc, Sir Dinas le Seneschal of Cornwall, Sir Fergus, 
Sir Driant, Sir Lambegus, Sir Clarus of Cleremont, Sir 
Clodrus, Sir Hectimere, Sir Edward of Carnarvan, Sir 
Dinas, Sir Priamus, that was christened by Sir Tristram 
the noble knight, and these three were brethren ; Sir 
Hellaine le Blank, that was son unto Sir Bors, and Sir 
Brian de Listinoise ; Sir Gautere, Sir Reynold, Sir Gille- 
mere, were three brethren that Sir Launcelot won upon a 
bridge in Sir Kay’s arms. Sir Guiart le Petite, Sir Bel- 
langere le Beuse, that was son to the good knight Sir 
Alisander Lorphelin, that was slain by the treason of 
King Mark. Then came Sir Hebes, Sir Morganore, Sir 
Sentraile, Sir Suppinabiles, Sir Bellangere le Orgulous, 
which the good knight Sir Launcelot won in plain battle ; 
Sir Neroveus and Sir Plenorius, two good knights that Sir 
Launcelot won ; Sir Darras, Sir Harry le Fise Lake, Sir 
Hermenid, brother to King Hermance, for whom Sir Pals- 
mides fought at the Red City with two brethren; and 
Sir Selises of the Dolorous Tower, Sir Edward cf 
Orkney, and Sir Ironside, which was called the noble 


356 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


knight of the red lands, that Sir Gareth won for the 
love of dame Lyonesse ; Sir Arrocke le Graunt, Sir 
Degraine sans Vilany, that fought with the giant of the 
black low \kiir \ ; Sir Epinogris, that was the king’s son 
of Northumberland; Sir Pelleas, which loved the lady 
Ettard, and he had died for her love had not been one of 
the ladies of the lake, her name was dame Nimue, and she 
wedded Sir Pelleas, and she saved him that he was never 
slain, and he was a full noble knight ; Sir Lamiel of 
Cardiff, that was a great lover; Sir Plaine de Force, Sir 
Meleaus de Lile, Sir Bobart le Cure Hardy, that was King 
Arthur’s son, Sir Mador de la Porte, Sir Colgrevance, Sir 
Hervise de la Forest Savage, Sir Marrok, the good knight 
that was betrayed with his wife, for she made him seven 
year a werwolf; Sir Persant, Sir Pertilope his brother, 
that was called the green knight, and Sir Perimones, 
brother to them both, that was called the red knight, that 
Sir Gareth won when he was called Beaumains. All these 
hundred knights and ten searched Sir Urre’s wounds, by 
the commandment of King Arthur. 

Then as they stood and spoke of many things, there 
was espied Sir Launcelot that came riding towards them. 
So when Sir Launcelot espied King Arthur he descended 
from his horse, and came to the king, and saluted him, 
and them all. Anon as the maid, Sir Urre’s sister, saw 
Sir Launcelot, she ran to her brother there as he lay in 
his litter, and said, “ Brother, here is come a knight that 
my heart giveth greatly unto.” 

“ Fair sister,” said Sir Urre, “ so doth my heart light 
against him, and certainly I hope now to be healed, for my 
heart giveth unto him more than to all these that have 
searched me.” 

Then said King Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, “Ye must 


Of the Death of Arthur. 


357 


do as we have done ; ” and told Sir Launcelot what they 
had done, and showed him all those that had searched Sir 
Ur re. 

“ Jesu defend me ! ” said Sir Launcelot, “when so many 
kings and knights have assayed and failed, that I should 
presume upon me for to achieve that all ye, my lords, 
might not achieve.” 

“Ye shall not choose,” said King Arthur, “for I will 
command you for to do as we all have done.” 

“My most renowned lord,” said Sir Launcelot, “ye 
know well that I dare not nor may not disobey your 
commandment. But and I might er durst, wit ye well I 
would not take it upon me to touch that wounded knight, 
to that intent that I should pass all other knights; Jesu 
defend me from that shame.” 

“Ye take it wrong,” said King Arthur, “ye shall not 
do it for no presumption, but for to bear us fellowship 
inasmuch as ye be a fellow of the Round Table.” 

And then all the kings and knights for the most part 
prayed Sir Launcelot to search him. And then the 
wounded knight Sir Urre set himself up full weakly, and 
prayed Sir Launcelot heartily, saying thus, “ Courteous 
knight, I require thee for God’s sake heal my wounds, for 
me thinketh ever sithence \since\ ye came here my wounds 
grieve me not.” 

“My fair lord,” said Sir Launcelot, “Jesus would that I 
might help you, and I shame me sore that I should be 
thus rebuked ; for never was I able in worthiness to do 
so high a thing.” 

Ther Sir Launcelot kneeled down by the wounded 
knight, saying to him thus, “My lord King Arthur, I 
must needs do your commandment, which is full sore 
against my heart.” 


358 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


And then he held up his hand, and looked into the east, 
saying secretly to himself, “ Thou blessed Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost, I beseech of thy mercy that my simple wor- 
ship and honesty be saved, and thou, blessed Trinity, 
thou mayest give power to heal this sick knight by the 
great virtue and grace of thee, but, good Lord, never of 
myself.” 

And then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir Urre for to let him 
see his head. And then devoutly kneeling, he ransacked 
the three wounds, that they bled a little, and forthwith all 
the wounds fair healed, and seemed as they had been whole 
a seven year. And in likewise he searched his body of 
other three wounds, and they healed in likewise. And 
then the last of all he searched the which was in his 
hand, and, anon, it healed fair. Then King Arthur, and 
all the kings and knights, kneeled down, and gave thanks 
and lovings unto God and to his blessed mother, and ever 
Sir Launcelot wept as he had been a child that had been 
beaten. 

Then King Arthur asked Sir Urre how he felt himself. 

“ My good lord,” said he, “ I felt myself never so 
lusty.” 

“ Will ye joust and do deeds of arms?” said King 
Arthur. 

“ Sir,” said Sir Urre, “ and [if] I had all that belonged 
to jousts I would soon be ready.” 

Then King Arthur made a party of an hundred knights 
to be against an hundred knights. And so, upon the 
morn, they jousted for a diamond ; and Sir Urre and Sir 
Lavaine jousted best that day, for there was none of them 
but he overthrew and pulled down thirty knights ; and 
then, by the assent of all the kings and lords, Sir Urre 
and Sir Lavaine were made knights of the Table Round 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


359 


And Sir Lavaine cast his love to dame Feloly, Sir Urre’s 
sister, and then they were wedded together with great 
joy, and King Arthur gave to every each of them a barony 
of lands. And this Sir Urre would never go from Sir 
Launcelot, but he, and Sir Lavaine, awaited evermore 
upon him ; and they were in all the court accounted for 
good knights, and full desirous in arms ; and many noble 
deeds they did, for they would have no rest, but ever 
sought adventures. 

[And Sir Launcelot, so that he might put to shame 
those that had mocked him with the name of the 
Chevalier du Chariot [knight of the cart], would not ride 
on horseback for twelve months but in all that time went 
upon his adventures in a cart like as the other and did 
great feats of hardihood therein, altogether more than 
forty battles.] 


CHAPTER XXII. 


[How Sir Launcelot again rescued Queen Guenever from the 
Fire, and carried her away, and of the Wars betwixt him 
and King Arthur.] 


r T)UT ever in these days the enemies of Sir Launcelot 
\_D and of Queen Guenever lay in wait to do them 
harm, in especial Sir Mordred and Sir Agravaine. So it 
befell that the queen was again appealed of treason and 
was condemned to the fire, while Sir Launcelot was away. 
But when Sir Launcelot heard thereof, he came suddenly 
with his kindred and attacked them that guarded about 
the queen whereas she stood at the stake about to be 
burnt.] 

Then was there spurring and plucking up of horses 


360 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


and right so they came to the fire, and who that stood 
against them there they were slain, there might none 
withstand Sir Launcelot. And in this rashing and hurl- 
ing, as Sir Launcelot thrang \rushed\ here and there, it 
mishappened him to slay Sir Gaheris and the noble knight 
Sir Gareth, for they were unarmed and unaware ; for Sir 
Launcelot smote Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris upon the 
brain-pans, wherethrough they were both slain in the 
field ; howbeit in very truth Sir Launcelot saw them not, 
and so were they found dead among the thickest of the 
press. Then when Sir Launcelot had thus done, and had 
put them to flight all they that would withstand him, then 
he rode straight unto Queen Guenever, and made a kirtle 
and a gown to be cast upon her, and then he made her to 
be set behind him, and prayed her to be of good cheer. 
Wit you well that the queen was glad when she escaped 
from death ; and then she thanked God and Sir Launcelot. 
And so he rode his way with the queen unto Joyous Gard, 
and there he kept her as a noble knight should do, and 
many great lords and some kings sent Sir Launcelot 
many good knights ; and many noble knights drew unto 
Sir Launcelot. When this was known openly, that King 
Arthur and Sir Launcelot were at debate, many knights 
were glad of their debate, and many knights were sorry 
of their debate. 

[Then King Arthur made moan out of measure, for he 
knew that the Round Table was foredoomed and that 
great wars must come of these matters.] 

“And now I dare say,” said the king, “that there was 
never Christian king that held such a fellowship together 
Alas ! that ever Sir Launcelot and I should be at debate. 
Ah! Agravaine, Agravaine,” said the king, “Jesu forgive 
it thy soul ! for thine evil will that thou and thy brother 



Queen Guenever’s Peril 








































f ■ 

■ 
















































- s 





















































Of the Death of Arthur . 361 

Sir Mordred had unto Sir Launcelot hath caused all this 
sorrow.” 

And ever among these complaints King Arthur wept 
and swooned. Then there came one unto Sir Gawaine, 
and told him how the queen was led away with Sir 
Launcelot, and nigh twenty-four knights slain. 

“ Truly,” said the man, “your two brethren, Sir Gareth 
and Sir Gaheris, be slain.” 

“ Who slew [them] ? ” said Sir Gawaine. 

“ Sir,” said the man, “ Sir Launcelot slew them both.” 

“Alas ! ” said Sir Gawaine, “now is all my joy gone.” 

And then he fell down in a swoon, and long he lay 
there as he had been dead ; and then when he arose out 
of his swoon, he cried out so ruefully, and said, “ Alas ! ” 
And right so Sir Gawaine ran unto the king, crying and 
weeping : “ Oh ! King Arthur mine uncle, my good 
brother Sir Gaheris is slain, and my brother Sir Gareth 
also, the which were two noble knights.” 

“I know not how it was,” said the king, “but so it is 
said, Sir Launcelot slew them both in the thickest of the 
press, and knew them not.” 

[Then fell Sir Gawaine into bitter hatred against Sir 
Launcelot and never stinted therein till the day of his 
death.] 

“My most gracious lord and my uncle,” said Sir 
Gawaine, “wit you well that now I shall make you a 
promise, the which I shall hold by my knighthood, that 
from this day I shall never fail Sir Launcelot, until the 
one of us hath slain the other; and therefore I require 
you, my lord and my king, dress you unto the war, for wit 
you well I shall be revenged upon Sir Launcelot. For I 
promise unto God,” said Sir Gawaine, “for the death of 
my brother Sir Gareth I shall seek Sir Launcelot through- 


362 The Boy's King Arthur . 


out seven kings’ realms but I shall slay him, or else he 
shall slay me.” 

“ Ye shall not need to seek him so far,” said the king, 
“ for, as I hear say, Sir Launcelot will abide me and you 
in the Joyous Gard, and much people draweth unto him as 
I hear say.” 

Then came King Arthur and Sir Gawaine with an huge 
host, and laid a siege about Joyous Gard, both at the 
town and at the castle ; and there they made full strong 
war on both parties. But in no wise Sir Launcelot would 
not ride out nor go out of the castle of a long time, neither 
he would suffer none of his good knights to issue out, 
neither none of the town nor of the castle, until fifteen 
weeks were past. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

Of the Communication between King Arthur and Sir Launcelot 
and how King Arthur reproved him. 

S O it befell on a day in harvest that Sir Launcelot 
looked over the walls and spake on high to King 
Arthur and Sir Gawaine : “ My lords both, wit ye well it 
is in vain that ye labor at this siege, for here win ye no 
worship but dishonor.” 

“Come forth,” said King Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, 
“ and thou darest, and I promise thee I shall meet thee 
in the midst of the field.” 

“God defend me,” said Sir Launcelot, “that ever I 
should encounter with the most noble king that made 
me knight.” 

“ Fie upon thy fair language,” said the king, “ for wit 


Of the Death of Arthur. 


363 


you well, and trust it, I am thy mortal foe, and ever will 
to my death day, for thou hast slain my good knights and 
full noble men of my blood, that I shall never recover 
again : also thou hast dishonored my queen, and holden 
her many winters, and like a traitor taken her from me by 
force.” 

“My most noble lord and king,” said Sir Launcelot, 
“ ye may say what ye will, for ye wot well with yourself I 
will not strive, but there as ye say I have slain your good 
knights, I wot well that I have done so, and that me sore 
repenteth, but I was enforced to do battle with them, in 
saving of my life, or else I must have suffered them to 
have slain me. And as for my lady Queen Guenever, oft- 
times, my lord, ye have consented that she should be 
burnt and destroyed in your heat, and then it fortuned me 
to do battle for her, and or I departed from her adversary 
they confessed their untruth, and she full worshipfully 
excused. And at such times, my lord Arthur,” said Sir 
Launcelot, “ye loved me, and thanked me when I saved 
your queen from the fire, and then ye promised me for 
ever to be my good lord, and now me thinketh ye reward 
me full ill. For sithence I have done battles for your 
queen in other quarrels than in mine own, me seemeth 
now I had more right to do battle for her in a right quarrel. 
And therefore my good and gracious lord,” said Sir Launce- 
lot, “ take your queen unto your good grace, for she is both 
fair, true, and good.” 

“ Fie on thee, false recreant knight,” said Sir Gawaine, 
“ I let thee to wit that my lord mine uncle King Arthur 
shall have his queen and thee maugre [in spite of] thy 
visage, and slay you both whereas it shall please him.” 

“ It may well be,” said Sir Launcelot ; “but wit ye well, 
my lord Sir Gawaine, and me list to come out of this 


3<H 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


castle, ye should win me and the queen more harder than 
ever ye won a strong battle.” 

“Fie upon thy proud words,” said Sir Gawaine, “as for 
my lady the queen, I will never say of her shame. Ah ! 
thou false recreant knight,” said Sir Gawaine, “what 
cause hadst thou to slay my good brother Sir Gareth, that 
loved thee more than all thy kin ? Alas ! thou madest 
him knight with thine own hands, why slewest thou him 
that loved thee so well ? ” 

“ For to excuse me,” said Sir Launcelot, “ it helpeth me 
not. But, by Jesu,” said Sir Launcelot, “and by the faith 
that I owe unto the high order of knighthood, I should 
with as good a will have slain my nephew Sir Bors de Ganis 
at that time. But alas ! that ever I was so unhappy,” said 
Sir Launcelot, “ that I had not seen Sir Gareth and Sir 
Gaheris.” 

“Thou best, false recreant knight,” said Sir Gawaine, 
i thou slewest him in despite of me, and therefore wit 
thou well that I shall make war unto thee all the while 
that I may live.” 

“That me sore repenteth,” said Sir Launcelot, “for 
well I understand that it helpeth me not to seek for 
none accordment whiles that ye, Sir Gawaine, are so mis- 
chievously set ; and if ye were not, I would not doubt to 
have the good grace of my lord King Arthur.” 

[Then Sir Launcelot’s kinsmen besought him that he 
would go out and do battle for the slanders that Sir 
Gawaine and his knights did put upon him.] 

“Alas!” said Sir Launcelot, “for to ride out of this 
castle and do battle, I am full loth to do it.” 

Then Sir Launcelot spake on high unto King Arthur 
and Sir Gawaine : “ My lords, I require you and beseech 
you, sith I am thus required and conjured to ride into the 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


365 


field, that neither you, my lord King Arthur, nor you, Sii 
Gawaine, come not into the field.” 

“What shall we do then?” said Sir Gawaine; “is not 
this the king’s quarrel with thee to fight ? and it is my 
quarrel to fight with thee, Sir Launcelot, because of the 
death of my brother Sir Gareth.” 

“ Then must I needs unto battle,” said Sir Launcelot. 

And always Sir Launcelot charged all his knights in 
any wise to save King Arthur and Sir Gawaine. 

And on the morrow at underne [ nine o'clock] King 
Arthur was ready in the field with three great hosts. 
And then Sir Launcelot’s fellowship came out at three 
gates in full good array, and Sir Lionel came in the fore- 
most battle, and Sir Launcelot came in the middle battle, 
and Sir Bors came out at the third gate. 

[Then was there spurring and thrusting and many 
strokes.] 

And ever King Arthur was nigh about Sir Launcelot 
to have slain him, and Sir Launcelot suffered him, and 
would not strike again. So Sir Bors encountered with 
King Arthur, and there with a spear Sir Bors smote him 
down ; and so he alighted and drew his sword, and said to 
Sir Launcelot, “ Shall I make an end of this war ? ” and 
that he meant to have slain King Arthur. 

“ Not so hardy,” said Sir Launcelot, “ upon pain of thy 
head, that thou touch him no more : for I will never see 
that most noble king, that made me knight, neither slain 
ne shamed.” 

And therewithal Sir Launcelot alighted off his horse, 
and took up the king and horsed him again, and said thus, 
« My lord Arthur, for God’s love stint this strife.” 

And when King Arthur was again on horseback, he 
looked upon Sir Launcelot, and then the tears burst out 


366 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


of his eyes thinking on the great courtesy that was in Sir 
Launcelot more than in any other man. And therewith 
the king rode forth his way, and might no longer behold 
him, and said to himself, “Alas! that ever this war 
began.” And then either parties of the battles with- 
drew them for to rest them, and buried the dead bodies, 
and to the wounded men they laid soft salves ; and thus 
they endured that night till on the morrow. And on the 
morrow, by underne, they made them ready to do battle, 
and then Sir Bors led them forward. So on the morrow 
came Sir Gawaine as grim as any bear, with a spear in his 
hand. And when Sir Bors saw him [they rode furiously 
together and either gave the other a great wound]. Then 
Sir Launcelot rescued Sir Bors, and sent him into the 
castle ; but neither Sir Gawaine nor Sir Bors died not 
of their wounds, for they were both holpen. 

“ Alas ! ” said Sir Launcelot, “ I have no heart to fight 
against my lord King Arthur ; for always me seemeth I 
do not as I ought to do.” 

“ My lord,” said Sir Palamides, “ though ye spare them 
all this day, they will never con you thank ; and if they 
may get you at any vantage, ye are but dead.” 

So then Sir Launcelot understood well that they told 
him truth, and then he strained himself more. And then 
within a little while, by even-song time, Sir Launcelot and 
his party better stood, for their horses went in blood past 
the fetlocks, there was so much people slain. And then, 
for pity, Sir Launcelot withheld his knights, and suffered 
King Arthur’s party for to withdraw them one side. And 
then Sir Launcelot’s party withdrew them into his castle, 
and either party buried the dead bodies and put salve unto 
the wounded men. So when Sir Gawaine was hurt, they 
on King Arthur’s party were not so orgulous \arrogantly 


367 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


eager\ as they were beforehand to do battle. Of this war 
was noised through all Christendom, and at the last it was 
noised afore the Pope ; and he considering the great good- 
ness of King Arthur [let send letters to Sir Launcelot 
how that he should bring the queen back to King Arthur. 
And so, when King Arthur had carried his host back to 
his own country, came Sir Launcelot to King Arthur’s 
court and gave him again his queen]. 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

How King Arthur and Sir Gawaine made a Great Host ready 
to go over Sea to make War on Sir Launcelot. 

ND then while Sir Launcelot was at court he strove 



L Dx. hard to be accorded with Sir Gawaine, for he bore 
no malice neither to Sir Gawaine nor to King Arthur. 
But Sir Gawaine would not be accorded, and ever let 
King Arthur from being accorded, that would right gladly 
have received again his old faithful knight, Sir Launcelot. 
And ever more bitter grew Sir Gawaine : till at the last 
he said to Sir Launcelot :] “ In this land thou shalt not 
abide past fifteen days, such warning I give thee. So the 
king and we were consented and accorded or thou earnest 
hither; and else,” said Sir Gawaine, “wit thou well that 
thou shouldst not have come hither, but if it were maugre 
thy head. And if that it were not for the Pope’s com- 
mandment, I should do battle with my body against thy 
body, and prove it unto thee that thou hast been false unto 
mine uncle King Arthur and to me both, and that shall 
I prove upon thy body when thou art departed from 
hence, wheresoever I find thee.” 


368 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


Then Sir Launcelot sighed, and therewith the tears fell 
on his cheeks, and then he said these words : “ Alas ! most 
noble Christian realm, whom I have loved above all other 
realms, and in thee have I gotten a great part of my 
worship, and now I shall depart in this wise. Truly me 
repenteth that ever I came into this realm, that should 
be thus shamefully banished undeserved and causeless. 
But fortune is so variable and the wheel so mutable, 
there is no constant abiding, and that may be proved by 
many old chronicles of noble Hector, and Troilus, and 
Alisander the mighty conqueror, and many other moe 
[more ] ; when they were most in their royalty, they 
alighted lowest. And so fareth by me,” said Sir 
Launcelot, “for in this realm I have had worship, and 
by me and mine all the whole Round Table hath been 
increased, more in worship by me and my blood than by 
any other. And therefore wit you well, Sir Gawaine, I 
may live as well upon my lands as any knight that is 
here. And if ye, my most renowned king, will come 
upon my lands with your nephew Sir Gawaine for to 
war upon me, I must endure you as well as I may; 
but as for you Sir Gawaine, if that ye come there, I 
pray you charge me not with treason nor felony, for, and 
ye do, I must answer you.” 

“Do thou thy best,” said Sir Gawaine, “therefore hie 
thee fast that thou were gone, and wit thou well we shall 
soon come afte’, and break the strongest castle that thou 
hast upon thy head.” 

“That shall not need,” said Sir Launcelot, “for and 
I were as orgulous set as ye are, wit ye well I should 
meet with you in midst of the field.” 

“ Make thou no more language,” said Sir Gawaine, “ but 
deliver the queen from thee, and pike thee lightly out of 
this court.” 


3^9 


Of the Death of Arthur. 

And the i Sir Launcelot said unto Queen Guenever, in 
hearing of the king and them all, “ Madam, now I must 
depart from you and this noble fellowship forever; and 
sithen it is so, I beseech you to pray for me, and say me 
well, and if ye be hard bestead by any false tongues, 
dghtly, my lady, let send me word, and if any knight’s 
hands may deliver you by battle, I shall deliver you.” 

And therewithal Sir Launcelot kissed the queen, and 
then he said all openly, “ Now let see what he be in this 
place, that dare say the queen is not true unto my lord 
Arthur : let see who will speak, and he dare speak.” 

And therewith he brought the queen to the king, anH 
then Sir Launcelot took his leave and departed ; and 
there was neither king, duke ne earl, baron ne knight, 
lady nor gentlewoman, but all they wept as people out of 
their mind, except Sir Gawaine; and when the noble Sir 
Launcelot took his horse, to ride out of Carlisle, there was 
sobbing and weeping for pure dole of his departing ; and 
so he took his way unto Joyous Gard. And afterwards 
he called it Dolorous Gard. And thus Sir Launcelot de- 
parted from the court forever. 

So leave we Sir Launcelot in his lands, and his noble 
knights with him, and return we again unto King Arthur 
and Sir Gawaine, that made a great host ready, to the 
number of threescore thousand, and all thing was ready 
for their shipping to pass over the sea. And so they 
shipped at Cardiff. And there King Arthur made Sir 
Mordred chief ruler of all England; and also he put 
Queen Guenever under his governance. And so King 
Arthur passed over the sea, and landed upon Sir Launce- 
lot’s land, and there he burnt and wasted, through the 
vengeance of Sir Gawaine, all that they might overrun. 

Then spake King Bagdemagus unto Sir Launcelot 


37 ° 


The Boy’s King Arthur. 


“ Sir, your courtesy will shend [ruin] us all, and youi 
courtesy hath caused all this sorrow ; for and they thus 
override our lands, they shall by process of time bring us 
all to nought, whilst we thus hide us in holes.” 

Then said the good knight Sir Galihud to Sir Launcelot, 
“ Sir, here be knights come of kings’ blood, that will not 
long droop and they were without the walls ; therefore 
give us leave, as we are knights, to meet them in the field, 
and we shall slay them, that they shall curse the time that 
ever they came into this country.” 

Then spake the seven brethren of North Wales, and 
they were seven noble knights as a man might seek in 
seven kings’ lands, or he might find such seven knights, 
then they spake all with one voice, “ Sir Launcelot, for 
Christ’s sake let us ride out with Sir Galihud, for we been 
never wont to cower in castles nor in towns.” 

Then spake Sir Launcelot, which was master and gov- 
ernor of them all, “ My fair lords, howbeit we will as at this 
time keep our strong walls, and I shall send a messenger 
unto my lord King Arthur, desiring him to take a treaty ; 
for better is peace than always war.” 

So Sir Launcelot sent forth a damsel and a dwarf with 
her, requiring King Arthur to leave his war upon his 
lands. And so she started upon a palfrey, and the dwarf 
ran by her side. 

[But Sir Gawaine would have no peace nor treaties, and 
sent vile messages back to Sir Launcelot, and presently 
led the host to Sir Launcelot’s castle.] 

So thus they endured well half a year, and much 
slaughter of people there was on both parties. Then 
it befell upon a day that Sir Gawaine came before the 
gates armed at all pieces upon a great courser, with a 
great spear in his hand ; and then he cried with a loud 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


371 


voice, “ Where art thou now, thou false traitor Sii 
Launcelot ? why dost thou hide thyself within holes and 
walls like a coward? look out now, thou false traitor 
knight, and here I shall revenge upon thy body the death 
of my three brethren.” 

All this language heard Sir Launcelot, and his kin 
every deal ; and then his knights drew about him, and 
they said all at once unto Sir Launcelot, “ Sir Launcelot, 
now ye must defend you like a knight, or else ye be 
shamed forever ; for now ye be called upon treason, it is 
time for you to stir, for ye have slept over long, and suf- 
fered over much.” 

“So God me help,” said Sir Launcelot, “I am right 
heavy of Sir Gawaine’s words, for now he chargeth me 
with a great charge; and therefore I wot it as well as 
ye that I must defend me, or else to be a recreant 
knight.” 

Then Sir Launcelot commanded to saddle his strongest 
horse, and bade fetch his armor, and bring all unto the 
gate of the tower. And then Sir Launcelot spake on 
high unto King Arthur, and said, “My lord and noble 
king which made me knight, wit you well that I am right 
heavy for your sake, that ye thus sue upon me, and always 
I forbare you ; for, and I would have been revengeable, I 
might have met you in the midst of the field, and there to 
have made your boldest knights full tame ; and now I 
have forborne you half a year, and have suffered you and 
Sir Gawaine to do what ye would, and now I may endure 
it no longer ; now must I needs defend myself, in so much 
as Sir Gawaine hath appealed me of treason, the which is 
greatly against my will, that ever I should fight against 
any of your blood ; but now I may not forsake it, I am 
driven thereto as a beast to a bay,” 


372 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


And so the covenant was made, there should no man 
nigh them, nor deal with them, till the one were dead or 
yielden. 


CHAPTER XXV. 

How Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot did Battle together, and 
how Sir Gawaine was overthrown and hurt. 

T HEN Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot departed a 
great way in sunder, and then they came together 
with all their horses’ might as they might run, and either 
smote other in midst of their shields, but the knights 
were so strong, and their spears so big, that their horses 
might not endure their buffets, and so the horses fell to 
the earth. And then they avoided their horses, and 
dressed their shields afore them. Then they stood to- 
gether, and gave many sad strokes on divers places of 
their bodies, that the blood brast out on many sides and 
places. Then had Sir Gawaine such a grace and gift that 
an holy man had given to him, that every day in the year, 
from underne till high noon, his might increased those 
three hours as much as thrice his strength, and that 
caused Sir Gawaine to win great honor. [And] there 
were but few knights that time living that knew this 
advantage that Sir Gawaine had, but King Arthur all 
only. Thus Sir Launcelot fought with Sir Gawaine, and 
when Sir Launcelot felt his might evermore increase, Sir 
Launcelot wondered, and dread him sore to be shamed. 
For Sir Launcelot wend, when he felt Sir Gawaine double 
his strength, that he had been a fiend and no earthly man, 
wherefore Sir Launcelot traced and traversed, and covered 
himself with his shield, and kept his might during three 


v 


Of the Death of Arthur. 


373 


hours : and that while Sir Gawaine gave him many sad 
brunts and many sad strokes, that all the knights that 
beheld Sir Launcelot marvelled how he might endure 
him, but full little understood they that travail that Sir 
Launcelot had for to endure him. And then when it 
was past noon, Sir Gawaine had no more but his own 
might. Then Sir Launcelot felt him so come down ; then 
he stretched him up, and stood near Sir Gawaine, and said 
thus, “ My lord Sir Gawaine, now I feel ye have done, now 
my lord Sir Gawaine, I must do my part, for many great 
and grievous strokes I have endured you this day with 
great pain.” 

Then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes, and gave Sir 
Gawaine such a buffet on the helmet, that he fell down on 
his side, and Sir Launcelot withdrew him from him. 

“ Why withdrawest thou thee ? ” said Sir Gawaine ; 
“ now turn again, false traitor knight, and slay me ; for 
and thou leave me thus, when I am whole I shall do battle 
with thee again.” 

“ Sir, I shall endure you by the grace of God,” said Sir 
Launcelot ; “ but wit you well, Sir Gawaine, I will never 
smite a felled knight.” 

And so Sir Launcelot went into the city, and Sir 
Gawaine was borne into one of King Arthur’s pavilions ; 
and anon there was leeches brought to him, which searched 
his wound, and salved it with soft ointments. And then 
Sir Launcelot said, “Now have good day, my lord the 
king, for wit ye well ye shall win no worship at these 
walls ; and if I would bring out my knights, there should 
many a man die. Therefore, my lord King Arthur, re- 
member you of old kindness, and howsoever I fare, Jesu 
be your guide in all places.” 


374 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

Or the Sorrow that King Arthur made for the War, and or 
another Battle where also Sir Gawaine had the worse. 

LAS,” said the king, “that ever this unhappy war 



was begun, for ever Sir Launcelot forbeareth me in 
all places, and in likewise my kin, and that is seen well 
this day by my nephew Sir Gawaine.” 

Then King Arthur fell sick for sorrow of Sir Gawaine, , 
that he was sore hurt, and because of the war betwixt 
him and Sir Launcelot. So then they on King Arthur’s 
party kept the siege with little war and small force, and 
they within kept their walls, and defended them when 
need was. Thus Sir Gawaine lay sick about three weeks 
in his tents, with all manner of leech-craft that might be 
had ; and as soon as Sir Gawaine might go and ride, he 
armed him at all points, and started upon a courser, and 
gat a spear in his hand, and so he came riding afore the 
chief gate of Benwick, and there he cried on high, 

“ Where art thou, Sir Launcelot ? come forth, thou false 
traitor knight, and recreant, for I am here, Sir Gawaine, 
will prove this that I say on thee.” 

All this language Sir Launcelot heard, and then he said 
thus, “Sir Gawaine, me repenteth of your foul saying, 
that ye will not cease of your language, for wit ye well, 
Sir Gawaine, I know your might, and all that ye may do, 
and well ye wot, Sir Gawaine, ye may not greatly hurt 


me. 


“Come down, traitor knight,” said he, “and make it 
good the contrary with thy hands ; for it mishapped me 
the last battle to be hurt of thy hands, therefore wit thou 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


375 


well, that I am come this day to make amends, for I ween 
this day to lay thee as low as thou laidest me.” 

“Defend me,” said Sir Launcelot, “that ever I be so 
far in your danger as ye have been in mine, for then my 
days were done. But Sir Gawaine,” said Sir Launcelot, 
“ ye shall not think that I tarry long ; but sithence that 
ye so unknightly call me of treason, ye shall have both 
your hands full of me.” 

And then Sir Launcelot armed him at all points, and 
mounted upon his horse, and gat him a great spear in his 
hand, and rode out at the gate. And both the hosts were 
assembled of them without and of them within, and stood 
in array full manly ; and both parties were charged for to 
hold them still to see and behold the battle of these two 
noble knights. And then they laid their spears in their 
rests, and they ran together as thunder. And Sir 
Gawaine brake his spear upon Sir Launcelot in an hun- 
dred pieces unto his hand. And Sir Launcelot smote 
him with a greater might, that Sir Gawaine’s horse’s feet 
raised, and so the horse and he fell to the earth. Then 
Sir Gawaine full quickly avoided his horse, and put his 
shield before him, and eagerly drew his sword, and bade 
Sir Launcelot “ alight, traitor knignt ! for though this 
mare’s son hath failed me, wit thou well that a king’s 
son and a queen’s son shall not fail thee.” 

Then Sir Launcelot avoided his horse, and dressed his 
shield before him, and drew his sword. And so they 
stood together and gave many sad strokes, that all men 
on both parties had thereof passing great wonder. But 
when Sir Launcelot felt Sir Gawaine’s might so marvel- 
lously increased, he then withheld his courage and his wind, 
and kept himself wondrous covert of his might, and under 
his shield he traced and traversed here and there for to 


376 The Boy's King Arthur . 

break Sir Gawaine’s strokes and his courage. And Sir 
Gawaine enforced him with all his might and power to 
destroy Sir Launcelot, for ever as Sir Gawaine’s might 
increased, right so increased his wind and his evil will. 
Thus Sir Gawaine did great pain unto Sir Launcelot three 
hours continually, that Sir Launcelot had great pain to 
defend himself. And after that the three hours were 
passed, then Sir Launcelot felt verily that Sir Gawaine 
was come to his own proper might and strength, and that 
his great power was done. Then Sir Launcelot said unto 
Sir Gawaine, “ Now have I well proved you twice, that ye 
are a full dangerous knight, and a wonderful man of your 
might, and many wonderful deeds have you done in your 
days : for by your might increasing you have deceived 
many a full noble and valiant knight ; and now I feel that 
ye have done your mighty deeds. Now wit you well I 
must do my deeds.” 

And then Sir Launcelot stood near Sir Gawaine, and 
then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes, and Sir Gawaine 
defended him mightily. But nevertheless Sir Launcelot 
smote such a stroke upon Sir Gawaine’s helm, and upon 
the old wound, that Sir Gawaine sank down upon his one 
side in a swoon. And anon as he was awake, he waved 
and foined at Sir Launcelot as he lay, and said, “ Traitor 
knight, wit thou well I am not yet slain : come thou near 
me, and perform this battle unto the uttermost.” 

“ I will no more do than I have done,” said Sir Launce- 
lot : “ for when I see you on foot I will do battle upon you 
all the while I see you stand on your feet ; but for to smite 
a wounded man that may not stand, God defend me from 
such a shame.” 

And then he turned him and went his way toward the 
city, and Sir Gawaine evermore calling him traitor knight, 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


377 


and said, “ Wit thou well, Sir Launcelot, when I am whole, 
I shall do battle with thee again ; for I shall never leave 
thee till that one of us be slain.” 

Thus as this siege endured, and as Sir Gawaine lay sick 
near a month, and when he was well recovered and ready 
within three days to do battle again with Sir Launcelot, 
right so came tidings unto King Arthur from England, 
that made King Arthur and all his host to remove. 


CHAPTER XXVII. 


How Sir Mordred presumed and took on him to be King of Eng- 


land, AND WOULD HAVE MARRIED THE QUEEN. 


S Sir Mordred was ruler of all England, he caused 



A letters to be made as though they came from beyond 
the sea, and the letters specified that King Arthur was 
slain in battle with Sir Launcelot; wherefore Sir Mor- 
dred made a parliament, and called the lords together, 
and there he made them to choose him king. And so 
he was crowned at Canterbury, and held a feast there 
fifteen days. And afterward he drew him to Winchester, 
and there he took Queen Guenever, and said plainly that 
he would wed her which was his uncle’s wife ; and so 
he made ready for the feast, and a day prefixed that 
they should be wedded. Wherefore Queen Guenever was 
passing heavy ; but she durst not discover her heart, but 
spake fair and agreed to Sir Mordred’s will. Then she 
desired of Sir Mordred for to go to London for to buy all 
manner thing that belonged unto the wedding; and be- 
cause of her fair speech, Sir Mordred trusted her well 
enough, and gave her leave to go. And when she came 


378 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


to London, she took the Tower of London, and suddenly 
in all haste possible she stuffed it with all manner of vict 
ual and well filled it with men, and so kept it. Then when 
Sir Mordred wist how he was beguiled, he was passing 
wroth out of measure. And, a short tale for to make, he 
went and laid a mighty siege about the Tower of London, 
and made many great assaults thereat, and threw many 
great engines unto them, and shot great guns. But all 
might not prevail Sir Mordred, for Queen Guenever would 
never for fair speech nor for foul trust to come in his 
hands again. And then came the bishop of Canterbury, 
the which was a noble clerk and an holy man, and thus he 
said to Sir Mordred : “ Sir, what will ye do, will ye first 
displease God, and sithen shame yourself and all knight- 
hood? Is not King Arthur your uncle, no further but 
your mother’s brother? Leave this opinion, or else I 
shall curse you with book, and bell, and candle.” 

“Do thou thy worst,” said Sir Mordred, “wit thou well 
I shall defy thee.” 

“Sir,” said the bishop, “and wit you well I shall not fear 
me to do that me ought to do. Also where ye noise 
where my lord Arthur is slain, and that is not so, and 
therefore ye will make a foul work in this land.” 

“Peace, thou false priest,” said Sir Mordred, “for, and 
thou chafe me any more, I shall make strike off thy head.” 

So the bishop departed, and did the curse in the most 
orgulous wise that might be done. And then Sir Mordred 
sought the bishop of Canterbury for to have slain him. 
Then the bishop fled, and took part of his goods with 
him, and went nigh unto Glastonbury, and there he was 
as priest hermit in a chapel, and lived in poverty and in 
holy prayers : for well he understood that mischievous 
war was at hand. Then Sir Mordred sought on Queen 


Of the Death of Arthur. 


379 


Guenever by letters and by fair means and foul means, 
for to have her to come out of the tower of London, but 
all this availed not, for she answered him shortly, openly 
and privily, that she had liever slay herself than to be 
married with him. Then came word to Sir Mordred that 
King Arthur had raised the siege from Sir Launcelot, 
and that he was coming homeward with a great host, for 
to be avenged upon Sir Mordred. Wherefore Sir Mor- 
dred made to write letters unto all the barony of this 
land, and much people drew unto him ; for then was the 
common voice among them, that with King Arthur was 
none other life but war and strife, and with Sir Mordred 
was great joy and bliss. Thus was King Arthur depraved 
and evil said of, and many there were that King Arthur 
had made up of nought, and had given them lands, might 
not say of him then a good word. 

Lo, we all Englishmen see what a mischief here was ; 
for he that was the noblest king and knight of the world, 
and most loved the fellowship of noble knights and men 
of worship, and by him they were all upholden, now might 
not we Englishmen hold us content with him. Lo, this 
was the old custom and usage of this land. And also 
men say that we of this land have not yet lost nor forgot- 
ten the custom and usage. Alas ! alas ! this is a great 
default of us Englishmen, for there may nothing please 
us no term. And so fared the people at that time. For 
they were better pleased with Sir Mordred than they were 
with King Arthur, and much people drew unto Sir Mor- 
dred, and said they would abide with him for better and 
for worse. And so Sir Mordred drew with a great host 
toward Dover, for there he heard say that King Arthur 
would arrive. And the most part of all England held 
with Sir Mordred, the people were so new-fangled. 


3 So 


The Boy's King Arthur. 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 

HOW AFTER THAT KING ARTHUR HAD TIDINGS, HE RETURNED AND 

came to Dover, where Sir Mordred met him to let his Land 1 
ing, and of the Death of Sir Gawaine. 

A ND so, as Sir Mordred was at Dover with his host, 
there came King Arthur with a great navy of ships, 
galleys, and carracks. And there was Sir Mordred ready 
awaiting upon his landing, to let [kinder] his own [uncle] 
to land upon the land that he was king over. Then there 
was launching of great boats and small, and full of noble 
men of arms, and there was much slaughter of gentle 
knights, and many a full bold baron was laid full low on 
both parties. But King Arthur was so courageous, that 
there might no manner of knights let him to land, and 
his knights fiercely followed him. And so they landed, 
maugre Sir Mordred and all his power, and put Sir Mor- 
dred aback, that he fled and all his people. So when this 
battle was done, King Arthur let bury his people that 
were dead, and then was the noble knight Sir Gawaine 
found in a great boat lying more than half dead. When 
Sir Arthur wist that Sir Gawaine was laid so low, he went 
unto him, and there the king made sorrow out of measure, 
and took Sir Gawaine in his arms, and thrice he there 
swooned. And when he awaked he said, “Alas, Sir 
Gawaine, my sister’s son, here now thou liest, the man in 
the world that I loved most, and now is my joy gone: 
for now, my nephew Sir Gawaine, I will discover me unto 
your person ; in Sir Launcelot and you I most had my joy, 
and mine affiance, and now have I lost my joy of you 
both, wherefore all mine earthly joy is gone from me.” 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


38i 


“Mine uncle King Arthur,” said Sir Gawaine, “wit you 
well, my death day is come, and all is through mine own 
hastiness and wilfulness, for I am smitten upon the old 
wound the which Sir Launcelot gave me, on the which I 
feel well I must die, and had Sir Launcelot been with you 
as he was, this unhappy war had never begun, and of ail 
this am I causer, for Sir Launcelot and his blood through 
their prowess held all your cankered enemies in subjec- 
tion and danger : and now,” said Sir Gawaine, “ ye shall 
miss Sir Launcelot. But, alas, I would not accord with 
him, and therefore,” said Sir Gawaine, “ I pray you, fair 
uncle, that I may have paper, pen, and ink, that I may 
write unto Sir Launcelot a letter with mine own hands.” 

And when paper and ink was brought, Sir Gawaine 
was set up weakly by King Arthur, for he had been 
shriven a little before ; and he wrote thus unto Sir Laun- 
celot : “ Flower of all noble knights that ever I heard of 
or saw in my days ; I, Sir Gawaine, King Lot’s son of 
Orkney, sister’s son unto the noble King Arthur, send 
unto thee greeting, and let thee have knowledge, that the 
tenth day of May I was smitten upon the old wound 
which thou gavest me before the city of Benwick, and 
through the same wound that thou gavest me I am come 
unto my death day, and I will that all the world wit that 
I Sir Gawaine, knight of the Round Table, sought my 
death, and not through thy deserving, but it was mine 
own seeking; wherefore I beseech thee, Sir Launcelot, 
for to return again unto this realm and see my tomb, and 
pray some prayer more or less for my soul. Also, Sir 
Launcelot, for all the love that ever was between us, 
make no tarrying, but come over the sea in all the haste 
that thou mayest with thy noble knights, and rescue that 
noble king that made thee knight, that is my lord and 


382 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


uncle King Arthur, for he is full straitly bestood | 'sore 
beset] with a false traitor, which is my half brother Sir 
Mordred, and he hath let crown himself king, and he 
would have wedded my lady Queen Guenever, and so had 
he done, if she had not put herself in the Tower of Lon- 
don. And so the tenth day of May last past, my lord 
and uncle King Arthur and we all landed upon them at 
Dover, and there we put that false traitor Sir Mordred 
to flight. And there it misfortuned me for to be stricken 
upon thy stroke. And at the date of this letter was writ- 
ten but two hours and half before my death, written with 
mine own hand, and so subscribed with part of my heart’s 
blood. And I require thee, most famous knight of all the 
world, that thou wilt see my tomb.” 

And then Sir Gawaine wept, and King Arthur wept. 
And the king made Sir Gawaine to receive his Saviour. 
And then Sir Gawaine prayed the king to send for Sir 
Launcelot, and to cherish him above all other knights. 
And so at the hour of noon, Sir Gawaine yielded up the 
spirit. And then the king let inter him in a chapel 
within Dover Castle ; and there yet all men may see the 
skull of him, and the same wound is seen that Sir 
Launcelot gave him in battle. Then was it told King 
Arthur that Sir Mordred had pitched a new field upon 
Barendoune [. Barham Down]. And upon the morn the 
king rode thither to him, and there was a great battle 
betwixt them, and much people were slain on both parties. 
But at the last King Arthur’s party stood best, and Sir 
Mordred and his party fled into Canterbury. 


Of the Death of Arthur. 


383 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

How Aftzr Sir Gawaine’s Ghost appeared to King Arthur, and 

WARNED HIM THAT HE SHOULD NOT FIGHT THAT DAY. 

A nd then the king let search all the towns for his 
knights that were slain, and interred them ; and 
salved them with soft salves that so sore were wounded. 
Then much people drew unto King Arthur. And then 
they said that Sir Mordred warred upon King Arthur 
wrongfully. And then King Arthur drew him with his 
host down by the sea side, westward unto Salisbury, and 
there was a day assigned between King Arthur and Sir 
Mordred, that they should meet upon a down beside 
Salisbury, and not far from the sea side, and this day was 
assigned on a Monday after Trinity Sunday, whereof 
King Arthur was passing glad, that he might be avenged 
upon Sir Mordred. Then Sir Mordred raised much 
people about London, for they of Kent, Southsex [6W- 
sex]y and Southery [Surrey], Estsex [Essex], and South- 
folk [Suffolk], and of Northfolk [Norfolk], held the most 
party with Sir Mordred, and many a full noble knight 
drew unto Sir Mordred and to the king ; but they that 
loved Sir Launcelot drew unto Sir Mordred. 

So upon Trinity Sunday at night King Arthur dreamed 
a wonderful dream, and that was this, that him seemed 
he sat in a chair, and the chair was fast unto a wheel, and 
thereupon sat King Arthur in the richest cloth of gold 
that might be made. And the king thought there was 
under him, far from him, a hideous and a deep black water, 
and therein was all manner of serpents and worms, and 
wild beasts foul and horrible ; and suddenly the king 


3$4 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


thought that the wheel turned upside down, and that he 
fell among the serpents and wild beasts, and every beast 
took him by a limb ; and then the king cried, as he lay in 
his bed and slept, “ Help ! ” 

And then knights, squires, and yeomen awaked the 
king ; and then he was so amazed that he wist not where 
he was ; and then he fell in a slumbering again, not sleep- 
ing nor thoroughly waking. So King Arthur thought 
that there came Sir Gawaine unto him verily, with a num- 
ber of fair ladies with him ; and so when King Arthur saw 
him, he said, ‘‘Welcome, my sister’s son, I wend thou 
hadst been dead, and now I see thee alive, much am I 
beholden unto almighty Jesu ; oh, fair nephew and my 
sister’s son, what be these ladies that be come hither with 
you ? ” 

“Sir,” said Sir Gawaine, “all these be the ladies for 
whom I have fought when I was man living : and all these 
are those that I did battle for in righteous quarrel. And 
God hath given them that grace at their great prayer, 
because I did battle for them, that they should bring me 
hither unto you for to warn you of your death ; for and ye 
fight as to-morrow with Sir Mordred, as ye both have 
assigned, doubt ye not ye must be slain, and the most 
part of your people on both parties. For within a month 
shall come Sir Launcelot, with all his noble knights, and 
rescue you worshipfully, and slay Sir Mordred and all that 
ever will hold with him.” Then Sir Gawaine and all the 
ladies vanished. 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


385 


CHAPTER XXX. 

How by Misadventure of an Adder the Battle began, where Sii 
Mordred was slain and King Arthur wounded to Death. 

S O then were they condescended that King Arthur and 
Sir Mordred should meet between both their hosts, 
and everyeach of them should bring fourteen persons. 
And they came with this word unto King Arthur, and 
then said he, “ I am glad that this is done.” And so he 
went into the fields; and Tvnen King Arthur should de- 
part, he warned all his host that, and they saw any sword 
drawn, “look that ye come on fiercely, and slay that 
traitor Sir Mordred, for I in no wise trust him.” 

In like wise Sir Mordred did warn his host that “ if ye 
see any manner of sword drawn, look that ye come on 
fiercely, and so slay all that ever standeth before you, for 
in no wise I will not trust for this treatise, for I know 
well that my [uncle] will be avenged upon me.” 

And so they met as their appointment was, and were 
agreed and accorded thoroughly, and wine was fet [ fetched ] 
and they drank. Right so came an adder out of a little 
heath bush, and it stung a knight on the foot ; and when 
the knight felt him stung, he looked down and saw the 
adder, and then he drew his sword to slay the adder, and 
thought of none other harm. And when the hosts on 
both parties saw that sword drawn, they blew trumpets 
and horns, and shouted grimly. And so both hosts dressed 
them together, and King Arthur took his horse, and said, 
“Alas, this unhappy day !” and so rode he to his party. 
And so Sir Mordred did in like wise ; and never was there 
seen a more ckdefuller battle in no Christian land, for 


386 The Boy's King Arthur . 

there was but rashing and riding, foining and striking, 
and many a grim word was there spoken either to other, 
and many a deadly stroke. And ever they fought still till 
it was nigh night, and by that time was there an hundred 
thousand laid dead upon the down. Then was King Ar- 
thur wroth out of measure, when he saw his people so 
slain from him. Then the king looked about him, and 
then was he ware that of all his host, and of all his good 
knights, were left no more alive but two knights, that was 
Sir Lucan the Butler and Sir Bedivere his brother, and 
they were right sore wounded. 

“Jesu mercy!” said King Arthur, “where are all my 
noble knights become ? Alas ! that ever I should see this 
doleful day ; for now,” said King Arthur, “ I am come 
unto mine end ; but would to God that I wist where that 
traitor Sir Mordred is, which hath caused all this mis- 
chief.” 

Then was King Arthur ware where Sir Mordred leaned 
upon his sword among a great heap of dead men. 

“Now give me my spear,” said King Arthur to Sir 
Lucan, “ for yonder I have espied the traitor which hath 
wrought all this woe.” 

“ Sir, let him be,” said Sir Lucan, “ for he is unhappy ; 
and if ye pass this unhappy day ye shall be right well 
revenged upon him. My good lord, remember well your 
dream that ye had this night, and what the spirit of Sir 
Gawaine told you this night ; yet God of his great good- 
ness hath preserved you hitherto, therefore, for God’s 
sake, my lord, leave off by this, for blessed be God ye 
have won the field ; for here we be three on live, and with 
Sir Mordred is none alive. And if ye leave off now, this 
wicked day of destiny is done.” 

“ Betide me death, betide me life,” said the king, “ now 



The Combat of Mordred and King Arthur. 











Of the Death of Arthur . 387 

I see him yonder alone he shall never escape my hands, 
for at a better vantage shall I never have him.” 

“ God speed you well,” said Sir Bedivere. 

Then the king gat his spear in both his hands, and ran 
toward Sir Mordred, crying, “ Traitor, now is thy death day 
come.” 

And when Sir Mordred heard King Arthur, he ran unto 
him with his sword drawn in his hand. And then King 
Arthur smote Sir Mordred under the shield with a foin of 
his spear throughout the body more than a fathom. And 
when Sir Mordred felt that he had his death’s wound, he 
thrust himself, with the might that he had, up to the bur 
of King Arthur’s spear. And right so he smote [the king] 
with his sword holden in both his hands, on the side of 
the head, that the sword pierced the helmet and the brain 
pan. And therewithal Sir Mordred fell stark dead to the 
earth. And the noble Arthur fell in a swoon to the earth, 
and there he swooned ofttimes. And Sir Lucan the 
Butler and Sir Bedivere ofttimes heaved him up, and so 
weakly they led him betwixt them both to a little chape! 
not far from the sea side. And when the king was there, 
he thought him well eased. Then heard they people cry- 
in the field. 

“ Now go thou, Sir Lucan,” said the king, “and do me 
to wit what betokens that noise in the field.” 

So Sir Lucan departed, and he was grievously wounded 
in many places. And so as he went, he saw and heark- 
ened by the moonlight, how the pillers [ pillagers ] and 
robbers were come into the field to pill and to rob many a 
full noble knight of broaches and beads, of many a good 
ring, and of many a rich jewel ; and who that were not 
dead all out \entirely\ there they slew them for their har- 
ness and their riches. When Sir Lucan understood this 


388 


The Boy's King Arthur 


work, he came to the king as soon as he might, and told 
him all what he had heard and seen. 

“ Therefore by mine advice,” said Sir Lucan, “it is 
best that we bring you to some town.” 

“ I would it were so,” said the king. 


CHAPTER XXXI. 

How King Arthur commanded to cast his Sword Excalibur into 
the Water, and how he was delivered to Ladies in a Barge. 

B UT I may not stand. Ah, Sir Launcelot,” said King 
Arthur, “this day have I sore missed thee. Alas, 
that ever I was against thee, for now have I my death, 
whereof Sir Gawaine me warned in my dream.” 

Then Sir Lucan took up the king the one part, and 
Sir Bedivere the other part, and in the lifting, the king 
swooned, and Sir Lucan fell ip a swoon with the lift, and 
therewith the noble knight’s heart brast. And when King 
Arthur came to himself again, he beheld Sir Lucan how 
he lay foaming at the mouth. 

“Alas,” said the king, “this is unto me a full heavy 
sight to see this noble duke so die for my sake, for he 
would have holpen me, that had more need of help than I. 
Alas, he would not complain him, his heart was so set to 
help me. Now Jesu have mercy upon his soul.” 

Then Sir Bedivere wept for the death of his brother. 
“Leave this mourning and weeping,” said the king, 
“ for all this will not avail me : for, wit thou well, and I 
might live myself the death of Sir Lucan would grieve 
me evermore ; but my time hieth fast,” said the king. 
“Therefore,” said King Arthur, “take thou Excalibur 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


389 


my good sword, and go with it to yonder water side, and 
when thou comest there, I charge thee throw my sword 
in that water, and come again, and tell me what thou shall 
see there.” 

“My lord,” said Sir Bedivere, “your command shall be 
done, and lightly bring you word again.” 

And so Sir Bedivere departed; and by the way he 
beheld that noble sword where the pommel and the haft 
were all of precious stones, and then he said to himself, 
“ If I throw this rich sword into the water, thereof shall 
never come good, but harm and loss.” 

And then Sir Bedivere hid Excalibur under a tree, and 
as soon as he might he came again unto King Arthur, 
and said he had been at the water, and had thrown the 
sword into the water. 

“ What sawest thou there ? ” said the king. 

“ Sir,” said he, “ I saw nothing but waves and wind.” 

“ That is untruly said of thee,” said King Arthur, 
“ therefore go thou lightly and do my command, as thou 
art to me lief [beloved] and dear ; spare not, but throw it 
in.” 

Then Sir Bedivere returned again, and took the sword 
in his hand ; and then him thought it sin and shame to 
throw away that noble sword. And so he hid the sword, 
and returned again and told to the king that he had been 
at the water and done his command. 

“ What saw ye there ? ” said the king. 

« Sir,” said he, “ I saw nothing but the water wap and 
waves wane.” 1 

“Ah, traitor untrue!” said King Arthur, “now hast 
thou betrayed me two times. Who would have wend that 
thou that hast been unto me so self \loved like myself] 

1 “ Water wap and wave* wane: ” water lap and waves ebb. 


390 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


and dear, and thou art named a noble knight, and wouldest 
betray me tor the rich sword ? But now go again lightly, 
for thy long tarrying putteth me in great jeopardy of my 
life, for I have taken cold ; and but if thou do as I com- 
mand thee, and if ever I may see thee, I shall slay thee 
with my own hands, for thou wouldst for my rich sword 
see me dead.” 

Then Sir Bedivere departed, and went to the sword, 
and lightly took it up, and went to the water’s side ; and 
there he bound the girdle about the hilts, and then he 
threw the sword into the water as far as he might ; and 
there came an arm and an hand above the water, and met 
it and caught it, and so shook it thrice and brandished. 

And then the hand vanished away with the sword in 
the water. So Sir Bevidere came again to the king, and 
told him what he had seen. 

“ Alas ! ” said the king, “ help me from hence, for I 
dread me I have tarried over long.” 

Then Sir Bedivere took King Arthur upon his back, 
and so went with him to the water’s side. And when 
they were at the water’s side, even fast by the bank hoved 
a little barge, with many fair ladies in it, and among them 
all was a queen, and all they had black hoods, and they 
wept and shrieked when they saw King Arthur. 

“ Now put me into the barge,” said the king ; and so 
he did softly ; and there received him three queens with 
great mourning, and so these three queens [whereof one 
was King Arthur’s sister Morgan le Fay, the other was 
the queen of Northgalis, and the third was the queen of 
the waste lands] set them down, and in one of their laps 
King Arthur laid his head. And then that queen said, 
“ Ah ! dear brother, why have ye tarried so long from me ? 
Alas ! this wound on your head hath taken overmuch 
cold.” 



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How Bedivere bare King Arthur to the Waterside. 


































Of the Death of Arthur . 


39i 


And so then they rowed from the land, and Sir Bedivere 
beheld all those ladies go from him ; then Sir Bedivere 
cried, “ Ah ! my lord Arthur, what shall become of me 
now ye go from me, and leave me here alone among 
mine enemies ? ” 

“ Comfort thhself,” said King Arthur, “and do as well 
as thou mayest, for in me is no trust for to trust in ; for 
I will into the vale of Avalon for to heal me of my 
grievous wound ; and if thou never hear more of me, pray 
for my soul.” 

But evermore the queens and the ladies wept and 
shrieked that it was pity for to hear them. And as soon 
as Sir Bedivere had lost the sight of the barge, he wept 
and wailed, and so took the forest ; and so he went all the 
night, and in the morning he was ware between two hills 
of a chapel and an hermitage. 


CHAPTER XXXII. 


How Sir Bedivere found King Arthur dead on the Morrow in 
an Hermitage, and how he abode there with the Hermit. 


HEN was Sir Bedivere glad, and thither he went ; 



1 and when he came into the chapel, he saw where 
lay an hermit grovelling upon all four there fast by a tomb 
newly graven. When the hermit saw Sir Bedivere, he 
knew him well, for he was, but a little before, [the] bishop 
of Canterbury that Sir Mordred banished away. 

“ Sir,” said Sir Bedivere, “what man is there that ye 
pray so fast for ? ” 

“ Fair son,” said the hermit, “ I wot not verily, but by 
deeming, but this night, at midnight, here came a great 


392 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


number of ladies, and brought hither a dead corpse, and 
prayed me to bury him ; and here they offered an hundred 
tapers and gave me an hundred besants.” 

“Alas,” said Sir Bedivere, “that was my lord King 
Arthur, that here lieth buried in this chapel ! ” 

Then Sir Bedivere swooned, and when he awoke he 
prayed the hermit he might abide with him still there, to 
live with fasting and prayers. “ For from hence will I 
never go,” said Sir Bedivere, “ by my will, but all the days 
of my life here to pray for my lord Arthur.” 

“Ye are welcome to me,” said the hermit, “for I know 
you better than ye ween that I do. Ye are the bold Bedi- 
vere, and the full noble duke Sir Lucan the Butler was 
your brother.” 

Then Sir Bedivere told the hermit all as ye have heard 
before. So there bode Sir Bedivere with the hermit, and 
there Sir Bedivere put upon him poor clothes, and served 
the hermit full lowly in fasting and in prayers. And when 
the Queen Guenever understood that King Arthur was 
slain, and all the noble knights, Sir Mordred and all the 
remnant, then the queen stole aw^ , and five ladies with 
her, and so she went to Almesbury, and there she let 
make herself a nun and wore white clothes and black. 
And great penance she took as ever did sinful lady in this 
land ; and never creature could make her merry, but lived 
in fastings, prayers, and alms deeds, that all manner of 
people marvelled how virtuously she was changed. Now 
leave we Queen Guenever in Almsbury, that was a nun in 
white clothes and black ; and there she was abbess and 
ruler, as reason would. And turn we from her, and speak 
we of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


393 


CHAPTER XXXIII. 

How when Sir Launcelot heard of the Death of King Arthur 
and of Sir Gawaine, he came into England. 

A ND when he heard in his country that Sir Mordred 
was crowned king in England, and made war against 
King Arthur, and would not let him to land in his own 
land ; also it was told Sir Launcelot how that Sir Mor- 
dred had laid siege about the Tower of London, because 
the queen would not wed him ; then was Sir Launcelot 
wondrous wroth. 

Then they made them ready in all the haste that might 
be, with ships and galleys, with Sir Launcelot and his 
host for to pass into England. And so he passed over 
the sea, and arrived at Dover, and there he landed with 
seven kings, and their number was hideous to behold. 
Then Sir Launcelot inquired of the men of Dover where 
King Arthur was become. 

Then the people told him how that he was slain, with 
Sir Mordred, and an hundred thousand died upon a day, 
and how Sir Mordred gave King Arthur there the first 
battle at his landing, and there was the good knight Sil 
Gawaine slain ; and on the morrow Sir Mordred fought 
with King Arthur upon Barendoune, and there King 
Arthur put Sir Mordred to the worst. 

“ Alas ! ” said Sir Launcelot, “ this is the heaviest 
tidings that ever came to me. Now fair sirs/’ said Sir 
Launcelot, “ I beseech you show me the tomb of Sir Ga- 
waine.” 

And then certain people of the town brought him to 
the castle of Dover, and showed him the tomb of Sir Ga- 


394 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


waine. Then Sir Launcelot kneeled down, and wept, and 
prayed full heartily for his soul. And that night he made 
a dole, and all they that would come had as much flesh 
and fish, wine and ale, as they might eat and drink, and 
every man and woman had twelve pence, come who 
would. 

Then on the third day Sir Launcelot called to the 
kings, dukes, earls, and barons, and said thus : “ My fair 
lords, I thank you all of your coming into this country 
with me. But we come too late, and that shall repent me 
while I live. But sithen it is so, I will myself ride and 
seek my lady Queen Guenever, for as I hear say she hath 
great pain and much disease, and I heard say that she is 
fled into the west country, therefore ye all abide me here, 
and but if I come within fifteen days, then take your 
ships and your fellowship, and depart into your country.” 


CHAPTER XXXIV. 

How Sir Launcelot departed to seek the Queen Guenever, and 

HOW HE FOUND HER AT ALMESBURY. 

T HEN came Sir Bors de Ganis, and said, “ My lord 
Sir Launcelot, what think ye for to do, now to ride 
in this realm ? wit thou well, ye shall find few friends.” 

“Be as be may,” said Sir Launcelot, “keep you still 
here, for I will forth on my journey, and no man nor child 
shall go with me.” 

So it was no boot to strive, but he departed and rode 
westerly, and there he sought a seven or eight days, ana 
at the last he came unto a nunnery. And then was 
Queen Guenever ware of Sir Launcelot as she walked 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


395 


in the cloister ; and when she saw him there, she swooned 
three times, that all the ladies and gentlewomen had 
work enough for to hold the queen up. So when she 
might speak, she called ladies and gentlewomen unto her, 
and said, “ Ye marvel, fair ladies, why I make this cheer. 
Truly,” said she, “it is for the sight of yonder knight 
which yonder standeth ; wherefore I pray you all to call 
him unto me.” And when Sir Launcelot was brought 
unto her, then she said : “ Sir Launcelot, I require thee 
and beseech thee heartily, for all the love that ever was 
between us two, that thou never look me more in the 
visage. And furthermore I command thee on God’s be- 
half right straitly, that thou forsake my company, and 
that unto thy kingdom shortly thou return again, and 
keep well thy realm from war and wreck. For as well as 
1 have loved thee, Sir Launcelot, now mine heart will not 
once serve me to see thee. Therefore, Sir Launcelot, go 
v .hou unto thy realm, and there take thee a wife, and live 
with her in joy and bliss. And I beseech you heartily, 
pray for me unto our Lord God, that I may amend my 
mis-living.” 

“Now, sweet madam,” said Sir Launcelot, “would ye 
that I should now return again into my country, and there 
to wed a lady ? Nay, madam, wit you well that shall I 
never do: but the same destiny that ye have taken you to, 
I will take me unto, for to please Jesu, and ever for you 1 
cast me specially to pray. And if I had found you now 
so disposed, I had cast me to have had you into mine own 
realm.” 

[Then] there was lamentation as they had been stung 
by spears, and the ladies bare the queen to her chamber. 

And Sir Launcelot took his horse and rode all that day 
and all that night in a forest, weeping. And at last he 


390 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


was ware of a hermitage and a chapel between two cliffs, 
and then he heard a little bell ring to mass. 

[And it was here that the bishop and Sir Bedivere had 
served God together ; and they knew Sir Launcelot, and 
told him all, and his heart was nearly brast for sorrow. 
And Sir Launcelot threw abroad his armor, and was 
shriven, and took the habit upon him, and abode at that 
chapel. 

And there came Sir Bors, who had gone forth for to 
seek Sir Launcelot. And Sir Bors took the habit upon 
him. And within half a year there was also come] Sir 
Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Villiers, Sir Clar- 
rus, and Sir Gahalantine. So these seven knights abode 
there still. And when they saw that Sir Launcelot had 
taken him unto such perfection they had not list \desire\ 
to depart, but took such an habit as he had, and their 
horses went where they would. 

Thus they endured in great penance six years, and then 
Sir Launcelot took the habit of priesthood, and twelve 
months he sung the mass. [And he used] such absti- 
nence that he waxed full lean. And thus upon a night 
there came a vision to Sir Launcelot, and charged him, in 
remission of his sins, to haste him unto Almesbury, 
“And by then thou come there, thou shalt find Queen 
Guenever dead : and therefore take thy fellows with thee, 
and purvey them of an horse bier, and fetch thou the 
corpse of her, and bury her by her husband the noble 
King Arthur.” So this vision came to Launcelot thrice 
in one night. 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


397 


CHAPTER XXXV. 

How Sir Launcelot went with his Seven Fellows to Alues- 

BURY, AND FOUND THERE QUEEN GUENEVER DEAD, WHOM THEY 
BROUGHT TO GLASTONBURY. 

T HEN Sir Launcelot rose up or day, and told the 
hermit. 

“ It were well done,” said the hermit, " that ye made 
you ready, and that you disobey not the vision.” 

Then Sir Launcelot took his seven fellows with him, 
and on foot they went from Glastonbury to Almesbury, 
the which is little more than thirty miles. And thither 
they came within two days, for they we^e weak and feeble 
to go. And when Sir Launcelot was come to Almesbury, 
within the nunnery, Queen Guenever died but half an 
hour before. 

Then Sir Launcelot saw her visage, but he wept not 
greatly, but sighed ; and so he did all the observance of 
the mass himself, both the dirige [dirge] at night and the 
mass on the morrow. 

[And so with many holy rites, Queen Guenever was 
wrapped thirty-fold in cloth of Rheims, and put in a web 
of lead, and after in a coffin of marble. And when skt 
was ou f in the earth Sir Launcelot swooned 1 


39 ? 


The Boy s King Arthur. 


CHAPTER XXXVI. 


How Sir Launcelot began to sicken, and after died, whc a. 
Body was borne to Joyous Gard for to be buried. 

HEN Sir Launcelot never after eat but little meat, 



L nor drank, till he was dead ; for then he sickened 
more and more, and dried and d wined [dwindled\ away ; 
for the bishop nor none of his fellows might not make 
him to eat, and little he drank; for evermore day and 
night he prayed, but sometime he slumbered a broken 
sleep, and ever he was lying grovelling on the tomb of 
King Arthur and Queen Guenever. And there was no 
comfort that the bishop, nor Sir Bors, nor none of his 
fellows could make him, it availed nothing. 

Oh, ye mighty and pompous lords, shining in the glory 
transitory of this unstable life, as in reigning over great 
realms and mighty great countries, fortified with strong 
castles and towers, edified with many a rich city ; ye also, 
ye fierce and mighty knights, so valiant in adventurous 
deeds of arms ; behold, behold, see how this mighty con- 
queror King Arthur, whom in his human life all the 
world doubted [praised], see also the noble Queen Guen 
ever, which sometime sat in her chair adorned with gold, 
pearls, and precious stones, now lie full low in obscure 
fosse or pit, covered with clods of earth and clay ; behold 
also this mighty champion Sir Launcelot, peerless of all 
knighthood, see now how he lieth grovelling upon the cold 
mould, now being so feeble and faint that sometime was 
so terrible. How and in what manner ought ye to be so 
desirous of worldly honor so dangerous ! Therefore me 
thinketh this present book is right necessary often to be 


Of the Leath of Arthur . 


399 


read, for in it shall ye ^ind the most gracious, knightly, 
and virtuous war of the most noble knights of the world, 
whereby they gat praisir g continually. Also me seemeth, 
by the oft reading thereof, ye shall greatly desire to ac- 
custom yourself in following of those gracious knightly 
deeds, that is to say, to dread God, and to love righteous- 
ness, faithfully and courageously to serve your sovereign 
prince ; and the more that God hath given you the tri- 
umphal honor, the meeker ye ought to be, ever fearing 
the unstableness of this deceitful world. And so I pass 
ove'* and turn again unto my matter. 

So within six weeks after Sir Launcelot fell sick, and 
lay in his bed ; and then he sent for the bishop that there 
was hermit, and all his true fellows. Then Sir Launcelot 
said with dreary steeven [voice], “ Sir bishop, I pray you 
give to me all my rights that longeth to a Christian man/’ 

“It shall not need you,” said the hermit and all his 
fellows, “ it is but heaviness of your blood : ye shall he 
well amended by the grace of God to-morn.” 

“My fair lords,” said Sir Launcelot, “wit you well, my 
careful body will into the earth. I have warning more 
than now I will say, therefore give me my rights.” 

So when he had all that a Christian man ought to have, 
he prayed the bishop that his fellows might bear his body 
unto Joyous Gard. 

“Howbeit,” said Sir Launcelot, “me repenteth sore, 
but I made mine avow sometime that in Joyous Gard I 
would be buried, and because of breaking of mine avow, 
I pray you all lead me thither.” 

Then there was weeping and wringing of hands among 
all his fellows So at the season of night they went all 
to their bed% for they lay all in one chamber. So after 
midnight against day, the bishop that was hermit, as he 


400 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


lay in his bed asleep, he fell on a great laughter ; and 
therewith the fellowship awoke, and came unto the 
bishop, and asked him what he ailed. 

« Ah, Jesu, mercy,” said the bishop, “ why did you awake 
me ? I was never in all my life so merry and well at 
ease.” 

“ Why, wherefore ? ” said Sir Bors. 

“ Truly,” said the bishop, “ here was Sir Launcelot with 
me, with more angels than ever I saw men upon one day ; 
and I saw the angels heave up Sir Launcelot towards 
heaven ; and the gates of heaven opened against him.” 

“ It is but dretching [fantasy ] of swevens [dreams],” 
said Sir Bors ; “ for I doubt not Sir Launcelot aileth 
nothing but good.” 

“ It may well be,” said the bishop. “ Go to his bed, and 
then shall ye prove the sooth.” 

So when Sir Bors and his fellows came to his bed, they 
found him stark dead, and he lay as he had smiled, and 
the sweetest savor about him that ever they smelled. 
Then was there weeping and wringing of hands, and the 
greatest dole they made that ever made men. And on 
the morrow the bishop sung his mass of requiem ; and 
after the bishop and all those nine knights put Sir Laun- 
celot in the same horse-bier that Queen Guenever was 
laid in before that she was buried. 

And so the bishop and they all together went with the 
corpse of Sir Launcelot daily till they came unto Joyous 
Gard, and ever they had an hundred torches burning 
about him. 

And so within fifteen days they came to Joyous Gard ; 
and there they laid his corpse in the body of the choir, 
and sung and read many psalters and prayers over him 
and about him ; and ever his visage was laid open and 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


401 


naked, that all folk might behold him, for such was the 
custom in those days that all men of worship should so 
lie with open visage till that they were buried. And 
right thus as they were at their service, there came Sir 
Ector de Maris, that had sought seven year all England, 
Scotland, and Wales, seeking his brother Sir Launcelot. 


CHAPTER XXXVII. 


How Sir Ector found Sir Launcelot his Brother dead, and how 
Constantine reigned next after King Arthur, and of the End 
of this Book. 

ND when Sir Ector de Maris heard such noise and 



D\. light in the choir of Joyous Gard, he alighted, and 
put his horse away from him, and came into the choir ; 
and there he saw men sing and weep. And all they 
knew Sir Ector, but he knew not them. Then went Sir 
Bors unto Sir Ector, and told him how there lay his 
brother Sir Launcelot dead. And then Sir Ector threw 
his shield, sword, and helm from him ; and when he 
beheld Sir Launcelot’s visage he fell down in a swoon. 
And when he awaked it were hard any tongue to tell the 
doleful complaints that he made for his brother. 

“ Ah, Sir Launcelot,” he said, “ thou were head of all 
Christian knights ; and now I dare say,” said Sir Ector, 
“that Sir Launcelot, there thou liest, thou were never 
matched of none earthly knight’s hands ; and thou were 
the courtliest knight that ever bare shield ; and thou 
were the truest friend to thy lover that ever bestrode 
horse ; and thou were the truest lover, of a sinful man, 
that ever loved woman ; and thou were the kindest man 


402 


The Boy's King Arthur . 


that ever struck with sword ; and thou were the goodliest 
person that ever came among press [crowd] of knights ; 
and thou were the meekest man and the gentlest that 
ever ate in hall among ladies ; and thou were the sternest 
knight to thy mortal foe that ever put spear in the rest.” 

Then there was weeping and dolor out of measure. 

Thus they kept Sir Launcelot’s corpse above the ground 
fifteen days, and then they buried it with great devotion. 
And then at leisure they went all with the bishop of 
Canterbury to his hermitage, and there they were together 
more than a month. Then Sir Constantine, that was Sir 
Cador’s son, of Cornwall, was chosen king of England ; 
and he was a full noble knight, and worshipfully he ruled 
this realm. And then this King Constantine sent for the 
bishop of Canterbury, for he heard say where he was ; 
and so he was restored unto his bishopric, and left that 
hermitage ; and Sir Bedivere was there ever still hermit 
to his life’s end. Then Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Ector de 
Maris, Sir Gahalantine, Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir 
Blamor, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Villiers le Valiant, Sir Clarrus 
of Claremount, all these knights drew them to their 
countries, howbeit King Constantine would have had 
them with him, but they would not abide in this realm ; 
and there they lived in their countries as holy men. 

Here is the end of the whole book of King Arthur and 
of his noble knights of the Round Table, that when they 
were whole together there was ever an hundred and forty. 
Also, here is the end of the death of King Arthur. I 
pray you all, gentlemen and gentlewomen, that read this 
book of King Arthur and his knights from the beginning 
to the ending, pray for me while I am alive, that God send 
me good deliverance. 

And when I am dead, I pray you all pray for my soul. 


Of the Death of Arthur . 


403 


For this book was finished the ninth year of the reign of 
King Edward the Fourth, by Sir Thomas Maleor [Mai 
oty] knight, as Jesu help me for his great might, as he is 
the servant of Jesu both day and night. 



The Boy’s Library of Legend and Chivalry 


THE BOY’S KING ARTHUR 
THE BOY’S PERCY 
THE BOY’S FROISSART 
THE KNIGHTLY LEGENDS OF WALES 

Edited by Sidney Lanier, and richly illustrated by Freder- 
icks, Bensell, and Kappes. Four volumes, cloth, 
uniform binding, price per set, $ 7 . 00 . Sold separately, 
price per volume, $ 2 . 00 . 

Mr. Lanier’s books, in which he presents to boy readers 
the old English classics of history and legend in such at- 
tractive form, are now issued in four uniform volumes, 
well made and well illustrated. While they are stories of 
action and stirring incident, which make them extremely 
exciting, they teach those lessons which manly, honest boys 
ought to learn. The oath of the young fourteenth century 
knight made him vow to speak the truth, to perform a 
promise to the utmost, to reverence all women, to main- 
tain right and honesty, to help the weak, to treat high and 
low with courtesy, to be fair to a bitter foe, and to pursue 
simplicity, modesty, and gentleness of heart and bearing; 
and the twentieth century knight is he who takes the same 
oath of fidelity to truth, honesty, and purity of heart. The 
illustrations are full of fire and spirit, and add very much 
to one’s enjoyment of the book. 

The Boy’s King Arthur. 

Being Sir Thomas Mallory’s History of King 
Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. 

“ Unconsciously as he reads of the brave deeds wrought by 
the gallant soldiers told of by Froissart or fancied by Mallory, the 
boy’s heart is thrilled and his higher nature throbs with knightly 
longings .” — Philadelphia Times. 


CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS, NEW YORK 


The Boy’s Library of Legend and Chivalry 


THE BOY’S KING ARTHUR 
THE BOY’S PERCY 
THE BOY’S FROISSART 
THE KNIGHTLY LEGENDS OF WALES 

The Boy’s Percy. 

“ He who walks in the way these following ballads point will 
be manful in necessary fight, fair in trade, loyal in love, generous 
to the poor, tender in the household, prudent in living, plain in 
speech, merry upon occasion, simple in behavior, and honest in 
all things .” — From Mr. Lanier's Introduction. 

The Boy’s Froissart 

Being Sir John Froissart’s Chronicles of 
Adventure, Battle, and Custom in England, 
France, Spain, etc. 

“It is quite the beau ideal of a book for a present to an 
intelligent boy or girl. . . . Mr. Sidney Lanier, in editing a 

boy’s version of Froissart, has not only opened to them a world of 
romantic and poetic legend of the chivalric and heroic sort, but he 
has given them something which ennobles and does not poison the 
mind. Old Froissart was a gentleman every inch ; he hated the 
base, the cowardly, the paltry ; he loved the knightly, the heroic, 
the gentle, and this spirit breathes through all his chronicles. 
There is a genuineness, too, about his writings that gives them a 
literary value. . . . It is like travel into foreign times as well 

as into foreign lands, and getting a glimpse of the era of Faith, 
Simplicity, and Sincerity. It thus has a peculiar freshness that 
suggests an immortality like Homer .” — Baltimore Gazette. 

The Knightly Legends of 

Wales. Or, The Boy’s Mabinogion 


“ Amid all the strange and fanciful scenery of these stories, 
character and the ideals of character remain at the simplest and 
purest. The romantic history transpires in the healthy atmosphere 
of the open air on the green earth beneath the open sky. . . . 

The figures of Right, Truth, Justice, Honor, Purity, Courage, 
Reverence for Law, are always in the background ; and the grand 
passion inspired by the book is fo^strength to do well and nobly 
in the world .” — The Independent. 


C 8 2 89 ; d 


CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS, NEW YORK 
































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































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